url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=634,Rep. Becca Balint’s Statement on the Shooting at Brown University,2025-12-14,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"""I am filled with sorrow and rage this morning after learning that two students were killed at Brown University and many others are fighting for their lives. Last night was yet another reminder that gun violence touches everyone."" ""This is NOT the price we must pay for our freedom. I will continue to fight for sensible gun laws."" ""We all deserve that.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=635,Bipartisan Statement from All 25 Jewish House Members on Antisemitic Attack in Australia,2025-12-14,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Brattleboro, VT — All 25 Jewish Members of the US House of Representatives released the following statement in response to an attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia that targeted Jewish people celebrating the first night of Hanukkah: “On a night meant for celebration, Jewish families in Australia, gathering in joy and peace on the first night of Hanukkah, were grotesquely targeted with hate and murderous intent. Sadly, this attack does not come as a surprise to the Jewish community of Sydney who have been raising a clarion call for local and national authorities to take concrete steps against a rising tide of antisemitism. “We stand in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and together extend our condolences to the family and friends of the people murdered and are praying for the complete recovery of the dozens wounded, and the entire Jewish community feeling besieged. “Antisemitism is a cancer that eats at the core of society, whether in Australia, the United States, or anywhere it is allowed to take root and grow. We join leaders around the globe in condemning this evil act and in calling for justice, peace, and unwavering support for those affected. We also call on all leaders to do better standing up to antisemitism, bigotry, and hate. We must also do better in our work for a world where everyone can celebrate their faith and traditions free from discrimination and fear. “Jews around the world will continue to gather this week to celebrate Hanukkah and its story of religious freedom and defiant optimism. As we light the menorah each night and remember the miracle of the festival of lights, let us proclaim that light is stronger than darkness, right is stronger than might, and justice is stronger than tyranny. Wishing all Jewish communities and the world around us strength and peace.” The 25 members who signed the statement include: Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT) Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL) Rep. Laura Friedman (D-CA) Rep. Craig Goldman (R-TX) Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-NY) Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA) Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA) Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=633,Rep. Becca Balint Offers Support for the Vermont Air National Guard and Opposes Unauthorized Military Actions by the Trump Administration in the Caribbean,2025-12-13,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Brattleboro, VT — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on the deployment of the Vermont Air National Guard’s (VTANG) 158th Fighter Wing in support of Operation Southern Spear: “My heart is with all the Vermont National Guard members and their families as they prepare for a deployment during the holidays. Vermonters are proud of the brave men and women who sacrifice a lot to serve in the National Guard, representing both Vermont and our country. I know I speak for all Vermonters when I say that I am praying for their safe return back home when their deployment is over.” “I am, however, deeply concerned about the Trump administration's decision to deploy the 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG). Any deployment must be based on lawful authority, and full transparency must be provided to Congress. Wile the media is reporting that VTANG will be deploying to the Caribbean to take part in Operation Southern Spear, the Vermont congressional delegation has received zero notice, information, or clarity about the location, duration, and purpose of this deployment. This is not normal, nor should it be tolerated.” “The decision to send our service members into harm’s way must be rooted in a clear mission and safety. It should not be based on unpredictable, unilateral and unlawful directives from any president. I have witnessed the Trump administration violate Congress’s constitutional authority and conduct unauthorized military activity. None of the strikes on boats in the Caribbean, which have killed more than 80 people, were authorized by Congress. This administration has continually failed to provide a justification for this use of lethal force.” “Vermonters have been clear with me: they do not support our entanglement in a war with Venezuela. I unwaveringly support our troops and their families, but I do not support military action without Congressional authorization.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=632,Vermont Congressional Delegation Introduces Resolution Congratulating Vermont Green Football Club on Historic Season,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"BURLINGTON, VT – This week, the Vermont Congressional Delegation, Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT.), and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT.), introduced a bicameral resolution congratulating the Vermont Green Football Club on their historic win in the 2025 USL League Two National Championship. The Vermont Green FC’s win came after an undefeated season and marks the second year in a row a Vermont-based soccer team has won a national championship. “Vermont Green FC has proven that Vermont is a soccer state. In just three years, they have not only built a team but built a community,” said Rep. Balint. “Their undefeated season, overflowing with crowds, has made our state proud. I'm looking forward to watching them defend their title in 2026.” “I think I speak for the whole state in congratulating the Vermont Green on their extraordinary championship season, and I am glad to join my Vermont colleagues to recognize their accomplishments in the Congressional record. Undefeated. Two overtime playoff wins. Finally, national champions. Unbelievable,” said Senator Sanders. “Vermont Green is respected by Vermonters and soccer fans around the country for their skill and heart on the field. The founders built their team the Vermont way — by involving the community and creating an organization rooted in social and environmental justice. What they have done is truly remarkable, and we know they are just getting started.” “I’m pleased to join Senator Sanders, Rep. Balint, and all Vermonters in congratulating the Vermont Green FC on their well-deserved USL League Two National Championship win following an incredible and undefeated season. We’re so proud of this team’s achievements and of their commitment to building a soccer community that reflects the core values of Vermonters: hard work, dedication, and teamwork,” said Senator Welch. “We look forward to cheering on the Boys in Green as they defend their title in 2026!” Read and download the full text of the resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=630,"Reps. Balint, Tokuda, Fitzpatrick, LaMalfa, Tran, Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Mental Health Care Services for First Responders",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Yesterday, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), joined by colleagues Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), and Derek Tran (D-CA-45), introduced legislation to increase access to specialized mental health, substance abuse, and crisis counseling services for first responders. The Crisis Assistance and Resources in Emergencies (CARE) for First Responders Act aims to strengthen resources and support systems for the individuals who are often first on the scene during emergencies. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, rescue workers, 911 operators, and other emergency response personnel regularly face significant yet frequently unseen trauma and challenges as they confront disasters and assist survivors in their moments of greatest need. The CARE for First Responders Act would prioritize the needs of first responders by: Ensuring access to FEMA counseling and mental health services after major disasters. Funding on-site and mobile support through a grant program for mental health and substance use services. Expanding an existing, confidential 24-hour hotline to provide specialized first responder support. Establishing a peer counseling program at the Department of Health and Human Services to assist first responders and their families. Directing the Department of Health and Human Services to research best practices for mental health care and suicide prevention for first responders. “Because of the difficult work they do on the frontlines, Vermont’s first responders are facing serious mental health challenges,” said Rep. Balint. “I’m proud to join Rep. Tokuda once again in fighting to ensure that our emergency personnel, firefighters, 911 dispatchers, and law enforcement officers have access to the mental health resources they deserve. Our first responders shouldn’t have to shoulder the weight of their jobs alone.” “Our first responders go above and beyond, carrying the weight of trauma that no one should have to bear alone. After the devastating fires on Maui two years ago, I saw firsthand the toll that disasters can take on first responders and their families,” said Rep. Tokuda. “I’m proud once again to introduce the CARE for First Responders Act to ensure our frontliners who protect our communities have the specialized health support they desperately need and deserve. I’m grateful to my Republican and Democratic colleagues for their partnership in this effort because crises don’t care about politics, and neither should we when it comes to supporting our first responders.” “I’ve met too many local firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and telecommunicators who carry the heaviest parts of this job by themselves, not because they want to, but because the support isn’t there when the shift ends. The CARE for First Responders Act changes that: true 24/7 confidential crisis care, tailored mental-health services during major disasters, and peer counselors who have lived the same calls. No one who saves lives should ever feel like they have to save their own alone,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. “First responders, medical personnel, and wildland firefighters carry an incredibly heavy burden,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “They run toward danger when the rest of us run away, and the toll it takes on their mental and emotional health is real. Too often, getting the support they need is complicated or delayed. The CARE for First Responders Act will hopefully relieve some of that burden and let our first responders know that their work is not unnoticed or unappreciated.” “From fighting crime to managing natural disaster response, California’s first responders are on the front lines of keeping our community safe. This work is essential, but it also poses unique burdens on those who protect us day-in and day-out. First responders face serious mental health risks but often lack access to specialized treatment plans that properly manage their needs. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation to provide our first responders with the mental health support they deserve,” said Rep. Tran. The legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), APCO International, and the National Association for Rural Mental Health. Full text of the bill can be viewed here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=631,Rep. Becca Balint joins Members of Congress to Support Journalist Dylan Collins and Demand Accountability for Netanyahu Govt’s Targeting of Journalists,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, December 11th, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined a press conference with Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), Vermonter and Agence France-Presse (AFP) video journalist Dylan Collins, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Amnesty International USA to show support for Dylan Collins, an American citizen and journalist. Dylan Collins was attacked and wounded by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) while reporting in Southern Lebanon. This event also conveyed solidarity with the other journalists who were wounded, as well as the family of Issam Abdallah, the Reuters journalist who was killed in the attack. “For over two years, there have been no answers for the journalists who were harmed from a targeted attack by the Israeli Defense Forces in Southern Lebanon. Dylan Collins, an American and a Vermonter, was severely wounded alongside six of his colleagues. A Reuters journalist, Issam Abdallah, was killed instantly. All of them were clearly identified as press."" Rep. Becca Balint said. ""I want to thank my colleagues, Senators Welch and Van Hollen, for continuing to demand accountability from both the Israeli and United States government. I will continue to oppose any attempt to intimidate or silence the press and seek accountability for the victims and their families."" “Here’s the bottom line: the Netanyahu government has made it crystal clear that they never had serious intentions to investigate the deadly October 2023 attack that wounded Dylan Collins. It isn’t asking much of the Israeli government to conduct an investigation that meets international standards and to punish those responsible for this attack. Yet for over two years, we have done everything reasonably possible to get answers and accountability, only to be stonewalled at every turn. But we’re not going to give up our fight for answers,” said Senator Welch. “We’re demanding accountability from the Israeli government and our own to get justice for Dylan, his colleagues, and every member of the press targeted by the IDF since October 7, 2023.” “Over two years ago, Dylan Collins was injured by an IDF strike that left one reporter dead and several of his colleagues hospitalized alongside him. Since that strike, there have been no answers or accountability regarding what happened to Dylan and his colleagues. This silence has become part of a pattern of attacks on journalists by the IDF, with no resolution and no justice. It’s long past time for the U.S. government to live up to its stated commitment to defend American citizens abroad, and pursue accountability for this attack — it is essential not only for justice for Dylan and his colleagues, but also for the defense of press freedom around the world,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Vermonters continue to rebuild their homes, businesses and communities in the wake of the devastating 2023 floods — the worst natural disaster in our state since 1927. The recovery process is expensive, and this federal funding is absolutely essential for cities and towns across our state,” said Sanders. “By investing in essential infrastructure, economic revitalization and mitigation against future disasters, this funding will help Vermonters rebuild stronger than before. I am proud to have helped champion this funding and will continue to demand that the federal government stand with people throughout our country in their times of need — especially after natural disasters like the ones we’ve experienced in Vermont.” “This was not a ‘fog of war’ incident. It was a war crime carried out in broad daylight and broadcast live television,” said Mr. Collins. “As an American, I thought my government would fight for me. I thought that when an American citizen is wounded in an attack carried out by the U.S.’s greatest ally in the Middle East, that we would get answers.” “For more than two years, we have demanded answers about Israel’s deadly attack on a group of journalists, including an American and Vermonter. Having killed nearly 250 journalists in two years, it is clear Israel has no intention of investigating their crime. But it is even more outrageous that our own government — under both Biden and Trump—has helped that coverup. This Israeli impunity continues because of Washington's silence. We will not forgive. We will not forget. And we will keep demanding justice,” said Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). “For decades, Israel’s purported investigations have functioned not to establish facts or deliver justice, but to shield Israeli forces from accountability for the targeted killing of journalists. The international community must now step in to break that pattern of impunity by ensuring effective war crimes investigations are opened,” said Amelia Evans, Advocacy Director, Committee to Protect Journalists. ""Failing Dylan Collins is an unacceptable dereliction of a vital responsibility by the U.S. government — to defend U.S. citizens around the world. The Trump administration must uphold its duties to its citizens.” “More than two years have passed without accountability for the October 13 attack,” said Elizabeth Rghebi, MENA Advocacy Director, Amnesty International USA. “Israel must not be allowed to continue to kill and attack journalists with impunity. Those responsible for the unlawful attack on October 13 by Israeli forces must be held to account. We urge U.S. authorities to open an independent and thorough war crimes investigation in this case and to ensure accountability goes to the top of the Israeli military’s chain of command.” Watch a livestream of the press conference here ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=629,"Rep. Becca Balint Votes ""No"" on Inflated Defense Spending Bill",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on this year’s defense spending bill: ""We cannot continue to bankroll a nearly $1 trillion military budget while shortchanging our schools, housing, and health care system. As Americans face rising premiums from the expiration of the Affordable Care Act subsidies, I can’t green light this spending while Republicans claim there’s no money for health care.” “The Trump administration has weaponized the military and our service members against Americans. Over 35,000 federal troops have been sent into states and cities to carry out President Trump’s violent anti-immigrant agenda. I refuse to be complicit in funding Trump’s illegal deployment of our service members on U.S. soil.” ""I cannot vote for a defense authorization bill while Trump uses the military as his personal intimidation force and makes life unaffordable for Americans."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=628,"Rep. Balint Opposes SCORE Act, Cites Antitrust Concerns",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on her opposition to the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act: “In addition to harming women’s sports programs and preempting labor protections, the SCORE Act includes an irresponsible antitrust exemption. The SCORE Act’s antitrust exemption opens the door to abuses of the already significant power imbalance between athletes, schools, and conferences. I’m alarmed by the possibility of algorithmic price fixing by schools under Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) agreements. I’m proud to join antitrust experts across the spectrum, including eight former Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officials, and five state attorneys general, in opposing the SCORE Act.” The landmark 2021 Supreme Court decision National Collegiate Athletic Association v. Alston unanimously held that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was subject to antitrust laws and that it had unlawfully used its monopoly power to limit NIL compensation to college athletes. The SCORE Act broadly shields the NCAA, athletic conferences, and educational institutions from antitrust liability. Granting this sweeping immunity deprives state and federal antitrust enforcers the power to hold institutions accountable for actions that undermine athletes’ rights and harm competition. It is a free pass for athletic conferences and educational institutions to take anticompetitive actions to unfairly limit college athletes’ compensation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=627,Vermont Delegation Condemns Anti-Palestinian Hatred on Second Anniversary of Burlington Attack,2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"BURLINGTON, VT — The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) today condemned anti-Palestinian hatred and violence. Their statements came on the second anniversary of an attack on college students Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad, in Burlington. Senators Welch and Sanders today also announced a forthcoming Senate Resolution commemorating the second anniversary of the attack and denouncing bias, hatred, and threats to life and safety. The Senate Resolution will be officially filed when Congress returns in early December. “The idea that three young men just walking down the street were shot, for no other reason than that they are Palestinian, is unspeakable. It’s incomprehensible. No one should fear for their safety simple because of who they are, and we must remain vigilant against the rise in hate crimes targeting Muslims and Palestinian-Americans in particular. We must come together and remain committed to fighting all forms of bigotry and intolerance,” said Senator Sanders. “After the shocking attack in Burlington against Hisham, Kinnan and Tahseen, Vermonters came together to condemn violence and declare that our state will not tolerate hate in any form. I’m proud that Vermonters have continued to come together to advocate for peace. Threats made against Palestinian Americans are on the rise across the country, and the United States Congress must speak with one voice to condemn anti-Palestinian hate, antisemitism, and violence against anyone on account of their race, religion, or ethnicity,” said Senator Welch. “Vermonters do not tolerate hate in our state. The attack on Palestinian students in Vermont two years ago is no exception,” said Rep. Balint. “While some people want to fan the flames of bigotry and sow division, we must stand together against all forms of hate. The rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism poses a clear and present threat. Everyone deserves to be safe — no matter who you are or where you come from. For Hisham, Kinnan, and Tahseen, we need to make it crystal clear that we stand against all kinds of hate, bigotry, and racism.” On November 25, 2023, Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad were shot and badly injured in an unprovoked attack, simply for speaking in Arabic and wearing a traditional Palestinian scarf. The three students were visiting family in Burlington for the Thanksgiving holiday. All three victims were injured in the unprovoked attack and Mr. Awartani was paralyzed. ###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=625,Reps. Becca Balint and Jill Tokuda Reintroduce Bill to Bolster Mental Health Supports after Disasters,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) reintroduced the Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act. Following a year of climate emergencies across the country, Americans are suffering the cost. While the physical damage is clear, disaster-stricken communities need resources to cope with the mental and emotional damage they endure. Current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants are authorized to provide professional counseling services to victims of major disasters through the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCATP). The Addressing Addiction After Disasters (AAAD) Act strengthens the CCATP by allowing FEMA to provide services for substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder. “Too many communities in Vermont and across the country have endured devastating natural disasters driven by climate change. These disasters cause severe financial and emotional stress on regular people, which can lead to an increase in substance-use and alcohol-use disorders,” said Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL). “I’m proud to work with Rep. Tokuda and our colleagues to bring forth legislation that helps destigmatize these struggles and provide services to support those dealing with a substance use disorder and mental health issues in the aftermath of a disaster.” ""When a disaster strikes, it leaves scars that cannot always be seen. The emotional strain can push those already struggling with addiction into more despair, stress, and trauma,"" said Rep. Tokuda (HI-02). ""That's what I'm proud to join Rep. Balint in introducing this legislation to ensure victims have access to the services they need to care for their health, safety, and well-being. Recovery after a disaster isn't just about rebuilding roads and bridges — it's also about rebuilding lives."" The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Norton, Fields, Moulton, Carson, Soto, Costa, Thanedar, Budzinski, and Davids. Studies show that following Hurricane Katrina, alcohol consumption increased by about 185% from before the storm and the annual hospitalization rate for substance use disorders increased by approximately 30%. Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, 60% of individuals with substance use disorders experienced withdrawal and 70% of those on opioid maintenance therapy could not obtain sufficient doses. The CCATP helps people recover and rebuild their lives after a disaster. The CCATP works through immediate interventions such as: Assisting disaster survivors with navigating their current situation and reactions Reducing stress and providing emotional support Reviewing survivors’ disaster recovery options Disseminating the use or development of coping strategies Connecting survivors with other people and agencies who can help them in their recovery process. The Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act is endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association, National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), Kennedy Forum, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), National Association of Behavioral Healthcare (NABH), and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The full bill text is here.",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=626,Reps. Becca Balint and Jesús “Chuy” García Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Companies Using Algorithms to Illegally Raise Rents,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — On Wednesday, November 19th, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) introduced the End Rent Fixing Act to prohibit digital price fixing by landlords. In the midst of a crisis of housing availability and affordability, landlords are using algorithms to collude and increase rents for American families. Companies like RealPage and Yardi brand themselves as providing property management software, but in reality they facilitate collusion to push higher and higher rents. These companies collect real-time price and lease information from landlords and use it to suggest rent increases, which suppresses price competition in the rental housing market. This is exactly how a price fixing cartel operates, but instead of using code names and secret meetings, this price fixing is offered as a service. “Families in Vermont and across the country are being crushed by the housing affordability crisis — a result of corporate greed,” said Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL). “Landlords are colluding to illegally push rent higher and higher. The End Rent Fixing Act will prevent this type of price fixing and protect people’s wallets. Everyone deserves affordable housing. We cannot allow greedy corporations to get away with this.” “Companies like RealPage and Yardi are building algorithms that jack up rent prices for consumers, making the housing and affordability crisis worse. I’m proud to join my colleague Congresswoman Balint in reintroducing the End Rent Fixing Act as we continue our fight against this new frontier of anticompetitive, anti-consumer behavior,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “People should never have to choose between paying rent and buying food. The Council of Economic Advisors found that in 2023, rent fixing cost renters at least $3.8 billion. Increased rents push more people into homelessness, which reached record levels in 2024. Rent fixing does not give renters more amenities or a better deal: it only makes rent more expensive to line the pockets of landlords and companies like RealPage and Yardi. The End Rent Fixing Act will strengthen all these efforts by setting a federal floor of protection against this collusive activity and making lawsuits against rent fixers easier to win. The End Rent Fixing Act would: Make it unlawful for rental property owners to contract for the services of a company that coordinates rental housing prices and supply information, and designate such arrangements a per se violation of U.S. antitrust law. Prohibit the practice of coordinating price, supply, and other rental housing information among two or more rental property owners. Allow individual plaintiffs to invalidate any pre-dispute arbitration agreement or pre-dispute joint action waiver that would prevent their bringing a suit. The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Bonamici, Casar, Craig, Deluzio, Gomez, Goodlander, Jayapal, Johnson (GA), Norton, Omar, Ramirez, Salinas, and Tlaib. “Corporate landlords across the country are pricing families out of their homes. By using algorithms from corporations that get a cut of those profits, these landlords collude and make life unaffordable for working people – who are already paying too much as inflation continues to skyrocket. I’m proud to sponsor the End Rent Fixing Act of 2025 to ensure that renters are protected from this greedy and destructive behavior,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). ""At a time when Minnesotans are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads, corporations are colluding with large landlords to price working families out of the housing market,"" said Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05). ""I'm proud to support this legislation to crack down on these predatory price-fixing practices and give Minnesotans, and renters across the country, the housing protections they need."" U.S. Senators Peter Welch and Ron Wyden are leading the Senate version of the bill. It is cosponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker, Richard Blumenthal, Chris Van Hollen, Tina Smith, Andy Kim, Jean Shaheen, John Fetterman, Bernie Sanders, and Sheldon Whitehouse. “Vermonters are amongst the hardest hit by the housing crisis raging across the country. We have the fourth-highest rate of homelessness in the nation. In the midst of this crisis and at a time when families are struggling to put food on the table—thanks to Trump’s reckless economic policies—housing providers are using anticompetitive pricing algorithms to raise rents. It’s outrageous,” Welch said. “The End Rent Fixing Act of 2025would crack down on these pricing algorithms and prevent future monopolies on the housing market to protect renters in Vermont and nationwide.” “Setting prices with an algorithm is no different from doing it over cigars and whiskey in a private club,” Wyden said. “These cartels are already being sued for violating antitrust laws, but I don’t want there to be a sliver of doubt that fixing rents with an algorithm is illegal. Housing costs are crushing American families. Companies shouldn’t be using AI to make the housing crisis worse.” The full bill text is here. A one-page summary of the bill is here. The End Rent Fixing Act of 2025 is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project, the Center for American Progress, Color of Change, the Consumer Federation of America, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and the Open Markets Institute. ###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=624,Rep. Balint Votes to Release the Epstein Files,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement after voting YES on H.R. 4405 to release the Epstein files: “Powerful men protect powerful men, including all those around Jeffrey Epstein. My vote today to release the Epstein files will bring transparency, accountability, truth, and justice to the thousands of survivors who have waited far too long. We are sending a message to all victims of trafficking and sex abuse that we stand with you. We stand with you in the face of intimidation, and the rich and powerful men who have enabled the abuse. The American people deserve to see what’s in the files. The Senate must send this to the President’s desk immediately.”",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=623,Rep. Becca Balint Votes No on Government Funding that Fails to Address Health Care Cuts,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement after voting against a continuing resolution that fails to extend Affordable Care Act health care tax credits: “I’m a hell no on any bill that cuts healthcare and skyrockets premiums for millions of American families. Americans are suffering through a health care crisis of Republicans’ making, after fifteen years of efforts to dismantle the ACA and replace it with nothing. “Republicans refusal to come to the table for the last 40 days tells us everything we need to know about where their priorities lie. From the beginning Trump has used the shutdown as a political game - from withholding food from children to harassing air traffic controllers who take on second jobs to make ends meet. This bill is just another way to ram through his corrupt agenda - carving out $500,000 payouts to Senators allegedly implicated in the January 6th insurrection. The corruption is staggering. “I can’t in good conscience vote for something that further damages an already broken health care system. Americans are disgusted by a system that screws them over at every turn. I want Vermonters to know I’m in this fight for a health care system that truly serves us. We deserve that and an economy that works for all of us, not just the billionaire class. The fight doesn’t end here.” The bill includes a provision that provides a legal path for Republican Senators implicated in the January 6th insurrection to get at least a half million-dollar payout. That payout is based on baseless concerns over lawful subpoenas issued by prosecutors who were investigating those Senators' involvement in the attempt to overthrow the government on January 6, 2021. ###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=617,"Rep. Becca Balint Mourns the Loss of Middlebury College Student, Lia Smith",2025-10-27,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Middlebury, VT – Rep. Becca Balint released the following statement following the death of Middlebury College student, Lia Smith: “I’m absolutely heartbroken for the family of Lia Smith and the Middlebury College Community. As a parent, I’m crushed by this news and grieving for her parents and loved ones. The loss of a child is unimaginable. The community will remember Lia as a bright student, talented athlete, and friend. She was pursuing a double major in computer science and statistics. She was an outspoken advocate for her community as a trans woman and athlete. “I’m grateful for the efforts by local, state, and federal law enforcement in this investigation and to everyone who played a role in the search. Vermont stands with the Middlebury community during this extremely difficult time. Please, Middlebury students, faculty, and community members, take care of one another as you mourn this devastating loss.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:10:06Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=615,Rep. Becca Balint and Rep. Mark Takano Introduce Intersex Awareness Day Resolution,2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C – Today, Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Mark Takano (CA-39) introduced the Intersex Awareness Day Resolution. The resolution recognizes October 26 as Intersex Awareness Day and affirms the dignity and the universal human right to bodily autonomy of intersex people. Intersex Awareness Day honors the first public demonstration by intersex people in the United States, which took place at the annual conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics on October 26th, 1996, to advocate for bodily autonomy, oppose non-consensual genital surgery, and decrease stigmatization. Since 1996, October 26th has become a day during which intersex people and allies come together to celebrate and uplift the intersex community. “This has always been about basic human dignity and the millions of intersex Americans who are no less worthy of respect and dignity than anyone else,” said Rep. Balint (VT-AL), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “And as the Trump Administration insists on denying the existence and rights of intersex Americans, we will not be deterred in standing up for their rights. It’s critical that we, the LGBTQI+ community, work to raise awareness of the stories and needs of intersex people. I’m proud to reintroduce this resolution with Chair Takano to stand up for intersex Americans and affirm everyone’s right to bodily autonomy.” “Republicans’ attacks on the trans community don’t just hurt trans people—the effects spill over onto intersex people, too, because these attacks are based on the false premise that people’s sex-related traits always fit neatly into one of two binary options. Intersex people cannot be left out of the conversation when we talk about the impacts of these attacks,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “As the lead sponsor of the most comprehensive nondiscrimination bill for the intersex community—the Equality Act—I’m proud to join Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Becca Balint in introducing this resolution recognizing Intersex Awareness Day, because there is no justice for the LGBTQI+ community without justice for the intersex community.” This resolution: Encourages the Federal Government, States, localities, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community organizations to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities, with the goal of increasing public knowledge of the intersex community and empowering individuals to celebrate and respect their diversity. Urges health care providers to offer culturally and clinically competent care to the intersex community that respects bodily autonomy and self-determination, and encourages schools to support education regarding the intersex community, and connect individuals to resources for young people with intersex variations and their families. Encourages the Federal Government, States, international funding organizations, and bilateral and multilateral aid efforts to prioritize the health and human rights of intersex people. Intersex refers to individuals with innate variations in physical traits that differ from stereotypical expectations for male or female bodies regarding the development, appearance, or function of sex-related characteristics. This includes variations in one or more traits or characteristics, such as reproductive organs, genitals, hormone production and response, or chromosome patterns, which may present at birth or may occur naturally later in life. The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Pocan, Bonamici, Foushee, Frost, Mullin, Peters, Tlaib, Norton, Torres, Watson Coleman, Jayapal, Ramirez, Johnson (Hank), Carson, Garcia, Jacobs, Evans, Randall, and Huffman. The resolution is endorsed by the Congressional Equality Caucus (CEC), InterACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth, and Trevor Project. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:10:06Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=616,Rep. Becca Balint Conducts ICE Oversight in Chicago,2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Chicago, IL – Today, Rep. Becca Balint, Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, joined Democrats in Chicago for a hearing on ICE attacks on Chicago. The hearing titled Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Assault on Chicago was hosted by U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, along with Chicago-area Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Danny K. Davis (IL-07). The purpose of the hearing was to dive deeper into Trump’s unlawful and aggressive actions in Chicago and featured witnesses who spoke to personal trauma, constitutional violations, and labor implications. There were over a dozen Members of Congress in attendance from across Illinois and the country. Watch her full remarks here. Read excerpts from her remarks from the hearing below: “Thank you, Ranking Member Jayapal. Thank you for the entire democratic delegation from Illinois that are here. Thank you for hosting us. But most importantly thank you [witnesses] for being willing to come here with us to tell us exactly what's going on because I can tell you our constituents are enraged too. They're enraged by what this government is doing in our name. They are enraged on your behalf. They hate what they're seeing on their TV screens and their phone screens, and they want us to be here witnessing and spreading the alarm and that's why we're here. “And I want to be really clear, some of us were talking about this yesterday, this is all about abuse of power. From the illegal firings of federal workers, to taking away people's health care, to destroying the East Wing of the White House, and now being here watching the ways in which they are terrorizing neighborhoods here in Chicago and across this country. It is about abuse of power and as I said, we are enraged. “Yesterday we had an opportunity from people who are directly impacted by the terror that is being brought here in Chicago. People snatched off the street, disappeared. People who are dropping their kids off at school. People who are just trying to go to work. The big lie - they are not criminals. They do not have criminal records. These are people, the backbones of our communities, that are being hauled off. And they with the respect and the dignity the human dignity that they all deserve as human beings. And one woman told us that her mother had said how shocked she was that here in the United States she could be treated with so much inhumanity, on our watch, in our name “Pastor Black, I know you know something about this, you were there protesting peacefully, you were praying, you were shot with pepper balls to the head. It's a shocking video of unnecessary violence. And you are not the only religious leader that has tried to give comfort to those who have been detained and ICE has refused entry. Can you please tell me why you feel called in this moment to stand up for immigrants?” Witnesses at the hearing included: Lawrence Benito, Executive Director, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Pastor David Black, First Presbyterian Church Bob Reiter, President, Chicago Federation of Labor Kevin Fee, Legal Director, ACLU of Illinois Juliet de Jesus Alejandre, Executive Director, Palenque LSNA Any Huamani, Immigration Defense Coordinator Genesis O., Directly Impacted Chicagoan",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:10:06Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=614,"Rep. Balint Announces Departure of State Director, David Scherr",2025-10-09,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"BURLINGTON, VT – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) announced that David Scherr, State Director, will be departing the office and taking on a new role in Vermont. David has served as State Director, leading the Vermont offices, since day one of Rep. Balint’s tenure in Congress. Jessica Nordhaus, Director of Community Outreach, will serve as interim State Director. “David Scherr has been a central figure on my team and for all Vermonters who engage with my office. He has built and led our team in Vermont with dedication, excitement, and a deep understanding of the needs of Vermonters,” said Rep. Balint. “I’m profoundly grateful for his contributions to our mission and I look forward to seeing his public service to the state continue in a new role. David will be greatly missed.” “It has been a genuine honor to serve Congresswoman Balint as her State Director,” said David Scherr. “As Vermonters know well, the Congresswoman leads with care, integrity, and thoughtfulness. She brings wit, humor, joy, and energy to her role and to those lucky enough to be around her. I am so grateful to have been a part of her team and served someone who provides a model of compassionate, forceful leadership in these challenging times.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:10:06Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=613,Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Anniversary of October 7th Attack,2025-10-07,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint released the following statement in on the second anniversary of the October 7th Attack on Israel: ""Today is the second anniversary of the horrific October 7 attack by Hamas on innocent Israeli civilians. I mourn all the lives lost that day and for all those killed and wounded, both Israelis and Palestinians, in this horrible ongoing war. I continue to pray for the safe return of the hostages and the end of suffering in Gaza. May this year finally bring peace.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:10:06Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=606,"Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Republican Government Shut Down, Refusal to Protect Health Care",2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), member of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement in response to Republicans' choice to shut down the government: “Republicans once again chose to turn their back on Americans’ health care. If they wanted to keep the government open, they would have returned to DC and taken a seat at the negotiating table with Democrats to protect health care for working Americans. I won’t just stand by and support their plans to rip away health care from millions. This is not what the American people want.” The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office confirmed that Republicans’ health care plan would strip coverage from 15 million Americans and send premiums soaring for millions more. Republican policies will impose the largest Medicare cut in American history. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:07:37Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=604,Rep. Becca Balint Condemns Political Violence,2025-09-19,2025,2025-09,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement ahead of her vote on H.Res. 719: “I'm voting yes because we need to take a stand against political violence. Like so many Americans, I'm sick of the dehumanizing and demeaning rhetoric. And it’s incumbent upon leaders to use our platform to take the temperature down. I want to be on the record condemning political violence in any form. With this resolution, Republicans have tried to use this moment to polarize us further by bringing a cynical and divisive resolution to the floor. This vote should not be interpreted in any way as agreeing with the hurtful, offensive things that Charlie Kirk has said.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:07:37Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=605,Rep. Becca Balint Vote No on The Republican Funding Bill,2025-09-19,2025,2025-09,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement following the vote on the Republican continuing resolution: “I will not vote to allow a health care crisis that’s devastating working people to continue. Republicans have once again chosen the partisan route. Rather than continuing bipartisan, good-faith negotiations to fund the government in a responsible way, they’ve shut down any option for compromise. Instead, they’ve gone forward with a funding bill that does nothing to undo the health care crisis of their own creation. “Costs continue to rise for Americans, inflation continues to rise, and this bill does nothing to help. Millions of Americans are still in danger of losing their healthcare as a result of Republican cuts. It’s time for the President and Speaker Johnson to listen to the needs of the American people. Because this isn’t a game. I oppose this bill, and I oppose the Republican’s relentless assault on healthcare, science, and the Constitution.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:07:37Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=603,Rep. Becca Balint: “I believe Israel is Committing a Genocide in Gaza”,2025-09-17,2025,2025-09,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint published an op-ed on the situation in Gaza, calling Israel’s offensive that has killed over 60,000 Palestinians a “genocide.” In a report released this week, a UN commission found that Israel has “committed four genocidal acts” since October 7, 2023. She is the first Jewish Member of Congress to use the term “genocide” to describe what is happening on the ground in Gaza. Read her op-ed here: My grandfather was murdered on a death march from Mauthausen concentration camp in the last few weeks of World War II. Like many American Jews, I hold an emotional connection to Israel because it was a refuge after the genocide against the Jews across Europe. Many of us now grapple with the pain of witnessing the suffering of Gazans and the pain of waiting for the Israeli hostages to be released. Today, I believe the Israeli government is committing a genocide against the Palestinian people. As the granddaughter of a man murdered in the Holocaust, it is not easy for me to say that. But the trauma of the Holocaust serves as a reminder of the power of speaking out. I feel compelled to speak out because I know there are so many others like me who are horrified by what they see. As I write this, babies and young children are starving while the extremist Israeli government continues to withhold aid and commit acts of violence against civilians. The suffering goes beyond the tragic loss of life inherent to war; at this point, the Netanyahu government’s actions appear to be a systematic, intentional destruction of the Palestinian people. It’s difficult not to come to this conclusion when some top Israeli officials all but say it themselves, calling Palestinians “human animals” and pledging to turn Gaza into “hell.” Leading international genocide scholars have reached the same conclusion, determining that Israel’s actions in Gaza now meet the criteria for genocide, which they define as being ""committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group."" That is what we are seeing in Gaza right now. And many Americans believe the same. According to a recent Quinnipiac poll, American disapproval of the Israeli military action in Gaza has now reached 60%. And half of the voters surveyed, including 77% of Democrats, believe the Israeli government is committing genocide. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, and almost 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, wiping out entiregenerations of families. Israeli Defense Force reports show that five out of six Palestinians killed by Israeli forces have been civilians. The World Health Organization reports that 94% of hospitals in Gaza are damaged or destroyed. The Israeli government continues to restrict humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, while escalating military operations. It’s reported that more than half of Gaza’s population is undergoing a famine. America has a moral responsibility to own our complicity in this genocide and to use our power to stop it. While international bodies like the International Court of Justice often take years, sometimes decades, to reach a final verdict, long after genocides have ended, the scale and immediacy of this crisis demand urgent action. The United States has, as recently as in Sudan earlier this year, independently recognized genocides to galvanize international response. And this moment demands the same. Such recognition can be critical in steering American foreign policy. Those of us in government can and must save lives by using our platform to stop horrific suffering and end the endless shipment of arms to Israel. Being clear about what's happening in Gaza does not minimize the horrors of the Holocaust or the violence committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023. I will always condemn both the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia in our country. And I grieve for all the Israelis who suffered horrific brutality at the hands of Hamas and for those who lost family and friends on and after Oct. 7, the most severe attack on Jews since the Holocaust. I weep for the Palestinian babies and children dying from starvation and lack of medical care. I do not write this to create a litmus test for others, and I don’t think it’s useful to fixate on getting other leaders to use the specific word “genocide.” Many Americans do see the profound suffering that Israel is causing but are hesitant to use the label because many Jews still live with the trauma of the Holocaust. More important than the word itself is that we change the conversation and change our policy. That’s what Americans want. They are demanding that we speak out against the atrocities being committed with our taxpayer money. We need to listen. I want both a safe and secure Israel and a safe, secure independent Palestinian state. The policies of the Israeli government right now are not going to keep Israelis safe but instead are further isolating Israel on the world stage. The dire situation in Gaza demands clarity and courage from us right now. The United States must find its way back to its founding principles of life and liberty by honestly acknowledging the realities in Gaza and working to change them. Speaking truth and demanding action is the first step on the path forward. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:07:37Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=602,House Republicans Reject Balint Amendment to End Trump’s Use of the National Guard as a Military ‘Reaction Force’ Against American Citizens,2025-09-09,2025,2025-09,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement after the Rules Committee rejected an amendment she sponsored to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would repeal the provisions of Executive Order 14339 issued August 25, 2025 related to the creation of a standing National Guard quick reaction force available for rapid nationwide deployment for quelling civil disturbances. Rep. Balint’s amendment aimed to stop Trump’s use of the National Guard as a military reaction force against U.S. cities. “The Trump Administration has manufactured an urgent crime crisis in DC, when there are no facts to support these claims, in order to justify creating a standing military reaction force through the National Guard. Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to blue cities he does not agree with is nothing more than a wannabe strongman stance, is not based in reality, and does not reflect the will of the people. I introduced an amendment to the NDAA to put an end to the increased military presence in DC and other cities, as well as Trump’s use of the National Guard as a standing, quick reaction force to be used against American citizens. Republicans in Congress fell in line with Trump once again and threw out the amendment. Congress cannot continue to allow Trump to wage war on American citizens, on American soil.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:07:37Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=600,ICYMI: Balint Joins Steil to Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Kids’ Mental Health Online,2025-09-08,2025,2025-09,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01) introduced the Protecting Young Minds Online Act, which requires the Center for Mental Health Services to develop and disseminate a strategy to address the effects of new technologies, like social media, on children’s mental health. “The loneliness crisis in this country affects us all one way or another. And young Americans are relying on social media and technology to find a sense of connection. But we know social media exposure can also have negative effects on mental health,” said Balint. “As a mom of two teens, and a former teacher, I’m deeply concerned about the mental health impact of social media on our youth. It’s critical we act to better understand the potential harms. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to take the important step to promote positive use of social media and protect our youth.” “Social media and emerging technologies can have a harmful impact on children, driving depression, anxiety, and in worst cases, self-harm and suicide,” said Steil. “The federal government should work alongside families, teachers, and children to provide the tools necessary to promote positive mental health and keep our children safe.” In recent years, there has been a significant increase in mental health disorders in youth, including depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 15-24. Approximately one out of every 10 high school students reports attempting suicide each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, nearly one in three teenage girls seriously considered attempting suicide, and 40% of all students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness. To read the full text of the legislation, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:07:37Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=599,"400+ Glens Falls, NY Residents Join Rep. Balint and Colleagues in Elise Stefanik District for Town Hall Event",2025-08-25,2025,2025-08,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined local leaders, unions, and her colleagues Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-7) to expose how Republican policies are harming the region and answer attendees’ questions. Over 400 people attended the Progress for the People town hall organized by Indivisible Adirondack-Saratoga, Citizen Action of New York, Communications Workers of America, and the Progressive Caucus Action Fund (PCAF) in Glens Falls, NY on Friday. The Republican budget law, signed by President Trump on July 4th, is expected to cost 17 million Americans their health insurance and take food away from 40 million people in order to funnel billions to tax giveaways for corporations and the ultra-wealthy and turbo-charge the administration’s mass deportation machine. “Americans need to hear directly from Progressives on our vision for the future. A future where life can be easier, where dreams and opportunities feel within reach, and no one worries about deciding between health care and making rent. We can build an America that truly works for working people and delivers real progress on the things that matter.” said Rep. Balint. “In Glens Falls, Elise Stefanik refuses to listen to or show up for her constituents. And Americans need us to stand up for our democracy, for our rights, and for our freedom to live without the crushing burden of corporate greed. I’m so proud to cross the border to New York with my colleagues to make sure every voice is heard.” “I was so proud to join my Progressive Caucus colleagues in Glens Falls to highlight the devastating consequences of the GOP’s Big, Ugly Bill for working families here in New York and across the nation,” said Rep. Tonko. “We heard powerful stories from so many community members who are already feeling the impact of this disastrous legislation, and those voices will guide us in Washington as we continue our fierce advocacy on behalf of those we serve. While Republicans hide from defending their indefensible budget, my colleagues and I stand firmly with our communities and stand ready to give them the tools they need to join us in fighting back.” “Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill is an assault on every person who calls this country home and a shameful betrayal of our shared humanity,” said Rep. Pressley. “That’s why I was proud to join Reps. Balint and Tonko to let the people of Glens Falls, of the Massachusetts 7th, and across the country know that we refuse to accept this injustice as an inevitability, and we will always fight for you. Trump and Republicans – like Rep. Elise Stefanik – refuse to face their constituents because they know their policy violence will make people across America sicker, poorer, hungrier, and more vulnerable. We will not let them hide from their cuts to healthcare, to food assistance, to abortion care – because lives depend on it and families deserve more.” The town hall provided a chance for community members to get their questions answered, find resources, connect to local organizations working for community justice, and hear about a progressive vision for our nation. Questions focused on the harm caused by the Republican budget bill, threats to health care, rising costs for working people, and the need for elected representatives to be truly accountable to their constituents. “It was so inspiring to see three Congress people show up to answer questions in a Town Hall in our district!” said Doreen Miller, a member of Indivisible ADK/Saratoga. “Our Congress person, Elise Stefanik, has not shown up in years to talk to us and explain her reasoning for her votes. We need representation in Congress too!” “Glens Falls showed up tonight because folks are sick of paying higher prices while billionaires get giveaways, and they want answers,” said Catherine Rowland, PCAF’s Director of Government Affairs & Access. “Tonight was about making sure communities get those answers and giving real people a platform to demand better from this Republican Congress.” “CWA is very proud to stand with our fellow labor, community, and elected allies to help foster both discussion and a plan to fight back against these continued attacks on our jobs, livelihoods, and freedoms."" said Dennis Trainor, Vice President CWA District 1. ""Many of those currently in power have abandoned working families and laid waste to our communities and the unions that have helped build them over generations, and we will not sit idly by while the so-called ""Big Beautiful Bill"" deepens the country's affordability crisis and leaves millions without healthcare and out of work. We will make sure that every New Yorker understands the impact of this bill, and who is responsible for the biggest tax cuts for the wealthy, while taking away healthcare from millions of Americans."" “We are under attack by a cruel budget that strips health care, food, and opportunity from working people while lining the pockets of billionaires,” said Ravo Root, Lead Organizer at Citizen Action of New York. “When our neighbors come together like this—sharing stories, building power, and demanding accountability—we remind those in Washington that we are organized, we are watching, and we will not stop until our communities get the justice and investment we deserve.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:57:50Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=597,Rep. Balint Joins Rep. Ross to Introduce Bill to Repeal Trump Deportation Power Targeting Free Speech,2025-08-13,2025,2025-08,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02), and members of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced the Land of the Free Act. This legislation would repeal Section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants the Secretary of State the power to deport visa-holders and legal permanent residents whose presence in the United States would have “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.” Since taking office in January, President Trump and his administration have tried to use this power to deport visa-holders and legal permanent residents who are exercising their constitutionally protected right to free speech. Up until this administration, it was used sparingly, only 15 times in 35 years. However, now the executive branch is abusing this power and using it to try to deport individuals whose speech it finds inconvenient. “The Trump administration is using any excuse they can to deport people for speech they don’t like,” said Congresswoman Balint. “But Americans know the Constitution guarantees people within our borders the most basic of rights including due process and free speech. This administration has ignored those fundamental rights to flex their authoritarian power and remove people they disagree with. Rep. Ross and I won’t let them continue to trample on our rights. It's time we take away the Trump administration's power to arbitrarily detain people and firmly protect everyone's right to free speech in this country.” “Since day one, the Trump administration has continually violated the constitutionally protected free speech rights of immigrants in this country,” said Congresswoman Ross. “We cannot let this corrupt administration go unchecked and undeterred. That’s why Congresswoman Balint and I are introducing legislation to curb their abuse of federal law to deport individuals who they disagree with. The freedom of speech is a foundational principle of our democracy, and I urge my colleagues to join us in this important fight to protect it.” This legislation is endorsed by American Civil Liberties Union, Indivisible, MPower Change Action Fund, and Demand Progress. “The First Amendment protects everyone on US soil, citizen or not,” said Jenna Leventoff, Senior Policy Counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union. “If someone can be detained and deported because of their political beliefs, then the free speech rights of each and every person in the United States are in serious danger. The ability to speak out and protest is foundational to our democracy, and we thank Reps. Ross and Balint for working to ensure that dissent cannot be grounds for deportation."" “We support the Land of the Free Act because no president should be able to leapfrog bedrock constitutional rights and declare someone a threat to the nation on a whim,” said Demand Progress Policy Director Emily Peterson-Cassin. “Without this needed bill, student activists like Mohsen Mahdawi and Mahmoud Kahlil could be just the first of many victims frivolously punished by the government for merely exercising their free speech rights. We thank Reps. Ross and Balint for fighting to defend the free speech fights of all Americans.” ""The Land of the Free Act is a key to protecting the very foundation of our democracy: freedom of speech, political opinion, protest, and dissent,” said Andrew O'Neill, National Advocacy Director, Indivisible. “Over the last eight months, we’ve seen in the cases of Mahmoud Khalil, Rumeysa Öztürk, and others how Section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act can be weaponized to silence and punish anyone whose views the administration opposes—undocumented, legal status, or citizen alike. This provision has been abused to target students, journalists, and community leaders critical of U.S. foreign and immigration policy. This new legislation would establish a clear line: in the U.S., we do not exile people for exercising their constitutional rights. Political repression anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere. We thank Congresswomen Ross and Balint for introducing this bill and standing firm in safeguarding our right to free speech, dissent, and political expression.” ""As the largest Muslim digital advocacy organization with more than 500,000 members nationwide, MPower Change Action Fund is proud to endorse the Land of the Free Act of 2025,"" said Yasmine Taeb, Legislative and Political Director at MPower Change Action Fund. ""We applaud Rep. Becca Balint and Rep. Deborah Ross's leadership in introducing this legislation to repeal Section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, an obsolete Cold War-era provision used and abused by the Trump Administration to abduct, detain, and threaten with deportation Mahmoud Khalil, Rümeysa Öztürk, Badar Khan Suri, Mohsen Mahdawi and other students and scholars exercising their First Amendment protected rights. We urge House members to cosponsor the Land of the Free Act of 2025 and call for its swift passage.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:57:50Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=584,Rep. Becca Balint Slams Republican $9 Billion Federal Funding Clawback,2025-07-18,2025,2025-07,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on the passage of the rescissions package, which slashes $7.9 billion from international development and humanitarian programs, and $1.1 billion from public media. “This rescissions package is a betrayal of working families, especially in rural communities like Vermont,” said Rep. Balint. “Millions of Americans rely on our public broadcasting system for free and factual news coverage and programming, including lifesaving emergency alerts. This is clearly not about cost-cutting, as Republicans just voted for huge tax cuts for billionaires. It’s about prioritizing the ultra-rich and leaving rural communities vulnerable.” These cuts would continue the reckless agenda started by Elon Musk and weaken the United States’ power around the world. This terrible bill comes on the heels of Republicans' cuts to Medicaid and food assistance—all to fund tax cuts for billionaires. This Republican package hurts hardworking American families by: Harming millions of preschool-age kids (and their families) that currently benefit from PBS Kids children’s educational programs, such as Sesame Street or Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, that improve children’s literacy and math skills. Terminating $1.1 billion in funding for public television and public radio, including funding that is allocated directly to more than 1,500 locally-owned public television or public radio stations. Vermont stations received more than $2 million from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in Fiscal Year 2024. Hurting rural communities, as locally-owned public television stations and public radio stations are often the only trusted and reliable news source available, as well as the only coverage of local high school sports. Threatening public safety and disaster response, as public television and public radio provide emergency alerts even when other communications systems go down. Cutting global health programs and undermining America’s global leadership and security. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=585,"House Votes to Fund Vermont Small Business, MVP Robotics, Contract with Department of Defense",2025-07-18,2025,2025-07,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL)’s amendment to include a $10,000,000 Department of Defense contract with a Vermont small business, MVP Robotics, in the appropriations bill passed today. MVP Robotics is headquartered in Bradford, VT and employs 23 people across Vermont and New Hampshire. The passage of Rep. Balint’s amendment will bring major growth to an emerging technology company. MVP Robotics dual use technology was developed for sports teams and military training. “It is critical our small businesses have growth opportunities to bring jobs to and grow innovation in Vermont,” said Rep. Balint. “And since its founding MVP Robotics has been on the cutting edge of our state’s technology industry. I’m thrilled to have secured this amendment in the larger Department of Defense spending bill to continue to support our state’s culture of innovation and the strength of our small businesses.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=583,Rep. Becca Balint to Chair Progressive Caucus Task Force to End Corporate Greed,2025-07-16,2025,2025-07,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) launched a Progressive Caucus Task Force to end corporate greed. Rep. Balint’s Task Force is one of four that will be focused on advancing a slate of policy proposals to set a vision for the Democratic agenda that puts the needs of working people first. “I came to Congress to unrig a system that makes it so hard for so many Americans to get a fair shot,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “And today, I’m fired up to launch the Ending Corporate Greed Task Force alongside my colleagues to do the real work necessary to build an America that gives people a real chance at an easier life. Corporate greed is at the root of so many of the struggles working people face. It’s time we take back power over our rigged economy and fight back against the greed that makes everything harder for the rest of us. Because we have a vision for a reality where we can all afford to make rent, have affordable health care, get paid fair wages, and get an education without crippling debt.” The four Task Forces—focused on lowering costs, ending corporate greed, fighting corruption, and securing better pay and benefits—are part of a broader effort by the Progressive Caucus to define a Democratic governing agenda that is clear, popular, easy to understand, and quickly delivers material benefits to working people. The other task forces launched today by the Caucus will be led by the following Members: Rep. Omar, Promoting Peace & Security Rep. Min, Fighting Corruption Rep. Johnson, Fighting Corruption (Vice Chair) Rep. Ansari, Lowering Costs Rep. Randall, Better Pay and Benefits",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=582,Rep. Becca Balint on Passage of Devastating Republican Tax and Spending Bill,2025-07-03,2025,2025-07,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on the passage of the Republican tax and spending bill that guts Medicaid, food assistance and other critical programs that Americans rely on. The Republican budget includes over $800 billion in cuts that will decimate Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. These cuts put rural hospitals at risk of immediate closure. It will kick nearly 17 million Americans off their health insurance and throw at least 4 million people off food assistance, all to bankroll tax breaks for billionaires and massive corporations. All Democrats voted no. “This Republican budget is far and away the cruelest piece of legislation I’ve seen in my career. It’s an utter moral failure,” saidRep. Becca Balint. “This bill will leave people without food, without healthcare, without options to keep their families afloat. That’s the painful reality of this bill. It comes after the poorest among us to give to the richest, while Americans are already struggling to put food on the table, afford medications, and pay rent in an economy rigged against working people.” “I’m horrified to see the Republican party almost unanimously support propping up billionaires at the expense of their own communities. It’s sickening and speaks to their vision for America. But I’m not giving up hope. It’s going to take all of us fighting together to work to reverse some of the worst policies passed today.” Republicans’ reckless tax and spending bill will: Add over $3.9 trillion to the national debt, a $1 trillion increase over the House-passed bill. Kick nearly 20 million people off their health insurance and increase health care insurance costs for everyone. Medicaid is the largest single-payer of maternity care in the United States, covering an estimated 40% of births. One in five women, and nearly half the country’s children, are covered by Medicaid. Defund Planned Parenthood. The bill prohibits health clinics from accepting Medicaid funds for family planning and reproductive health care services if they provide abortions. The destruction of Planned Parenthood’s critical family planning and reproductive health care clinics will cost taxpayers $52 million, according to the Congressional Budget Office, and close 200 clinics. Cut to nutritional assistance jeopardizing SNAP for 40 million people including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities and 1.2 million veterans. Block future increases to the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines SNAP benefits. Increases household energy costs by an average of $400 and will lead to millions of jobs lost and $197 billion in lost wages. Cut clean energy incentives and add a tax to wind and solar energy. Spend more than $150 billion in funding for Trump’s cruel immigration enforcement agenda which breaks down our legal immigration system, deports people without due process and has turned its back on asylum seekers and refugees. Rep. Becca Balint is a member of the House Budget Committee. Throughout the budget process, Rep. Balint has offered amendments to protect Social Security and reduce health insurance costs. Her amendments to prevent the House of Representatives from considering legislation that would cut Social Security benefits, increase the retirement age, or privatize Social Security were all rejected by Republicans in the House Budget and Rules Committees. This week, Rep. Balint filed amendments to: Prohibit funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain individuals on the basis of their protected speech,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=580,Balint Joins Bonamici and Frost to Introduce Legislation to Improve Access to Care and Services for LGBTQI+ Seniors,2025-06-27,2025,2025-06,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Becca Balint (D-VT), and Maxwell Frost (D-FL) introduced legislation to improve the long-term health and care of LGBTQI+ seniors. Decades of marginalization and institutional barriers have left LGBTQI+ seniors with fewer sources of support, higher poverty rates, increased social isolation, and inadequate access to health care. Many of these seniors enter their golden years with the detrimental physical and emotional health effects of having lived through a lifetime of discrimination. The Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act would help overcome these barriers by decreasing isolation, improving health, and increasing access to culturally competent services and supports. The legislation is named for Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz, long-time advocates for LGBTQI+ equality. Connie fought for the rights of LGBTQI+ older adults until her death in 2018. Ruthie, her widow, continues to serve as a champion for the cause. “Decades of discrimination have left many LGBTQI+ seniors without the support and resources they need to stay healthy as they age,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “LGBTQI+ seniors are resilient, and they deserve to enjoy full, vibrant lives with the support they need to thrive. I’m grateful for Ruthie and Connie’s advocacy on behalf of LGBTQI+ seniors, and I’m glad to lead this legislation in their honor to provide LGBTQI+ seniors specialized access to care and services without discrimination.” “LGBTQI+ Americans are facing an overwhelming rise in attacks in the face of a hateful administration,” said Congresswoman Becca Balint. “And our LGBTQI+ seniors are being left behind with fewer supports, higher poverty and social isolation rates, and inaccessible health care. We owe it to our seniors to ensure they have access to the care and services they need. I'm proud to join Reps. Bonamici and Frost in uplifting the needs of LGBTQ+ seniors and celebrating the work of Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz.” “Like all Americans, our LGBTQ+ elders deserve to be able to live their golden years with the peace and security of quality, affordable care and a community that loves and respects them,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “In honor of the incredible work of Florida’s own Ruth and Connie, we must act as LGBTQ+ seniors face poverty and isolation to ensure they can live their lives free of discrimination.” The legislation is endorsed by: Congressional Equality Caucus, SAGE, Human Rights Campaign, Justice in Aging, and Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE). “SAGE is honored to cosponsor the Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act, which addresses a critical need: support for the ever-growing number of LGBTQ+ Americans who are over 60,” said SAGE CEO Michael Adams. “By permanently establishing the National Resource Center on LGBTQI Aging, aging service providers will have access to a wealth of resources, information, and tools to help them create welcoming and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ participants.” LGBTQI+ seniors now face additional obstacles from an administration that seeks to disenfranchise them and their community. Because of these profound challenges, LGBTQI+ seniors require specialized services and support that are scarce and severely underfunded in every part of the country. The Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act would: Include LGBTQI+ older adults among women, rural, and racial and ethnic minorities as a population with the greatest economic and social needs under OAA; Permanently establish the National Resource Center on LGBTQI Aging to provide critical resources, information, and tools for aging service providers to better address the needs of LGBTQI+ seniors; Require the Assistant Secretary of Aging to oversee data collection for LGBTQI+ adults, their needs, and efficacy of state aging resources to meet those needs. Require the long-term care ombudsman to collect and analyze data regarding LGBTQI+ discrimination; and, Prioritize grants for organizations working to improve LGBTQI+ health, long-term care, and access to culturally responsive services. A fact sheet about the legislation can be found here, and the text of the legislation can be found here. Bonamici also Chairs the Congressional LGBTQI+ Equality Caucus’ LGBTQI+ Aging Issues Task Force, and led the last two bipartisan updates to the Older Americans Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=581,Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Ruling on Judicial Powers and Birthright Citizenship,2025-06-27,2025,2025-06,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), member of the House Judiciary Committee, reacts to the Supreme Court decision in the case of Trump v. CASA. The court ruled 6-3 to restrict federal judges from stopping the nationwide enforcement of blatantly unconstitutional laws. Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the majority’s decision “a travesty for the rule of law.” The ruling does not address the constitutionality of birthright citizenship. The Trump Administration continues to evade the question of the obvious violation of our constitution in trying to end birthright citizenship. “Trump seeks unrestrained, unchecked power. By carefully choosing to go after birthright citizenship in this way, his administration has made it easier to continue to violate the constitution. And the court’s conservative majority is conveniently allowing it by limiting the lower courts’ checks on the President, further emboldening Trump to rule like a king. Today, they avoided the question of birthright citizenship to allow Trump to continue his assault on our rights, on immigrants, and the constitution. Let me be clear today: if you’re born in America, you are American. Anything to the contrary is a blatant violation of our constitutional rights. “This is not only another attack on birthright citizenship, it is an attack on our democracy, making it more difficult for people to individuals their rights. The American people need a judiciary that puts the constitution and the rule of law before anything else.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=576,"Rep. Balint Announces South Burlington $700,000 Award from Environmental Protection Agency for Bartlett Bay Wastewater Facility Improvements",2025-06-24,2025,2025-06,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) is proud to announce that the City of South Burlington will receive an award of $700,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to improve the Bartlett Bay wastewater facility. Rep. Balint secured this funding, alongside fourteen other community projects, through the FY2024 appropriations bill. “By funding improvement projects that will lower costs, ensure safe water, and reduce our carbon footprint, this kind of investment will make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of Vermonters. I’m proud to get this funding over the finish line and to do the real work that will mean cleaner and safer communities for Vermont,” said Rep. Balint. The funding will be used to reduce the overall carbon footprint as part of the current upgrade of the Bartlett Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) in South Burlington. The facility was last upgraded over 20 years ago and will undergo a refurbishment over the next 1-3 years. This funding will be used to replace existing conventional, fossil-fuel powered systems with efficient heat pump units which can reduce the system’s carbon footprint by 25%. In addition, modern heat pumps can reduce electricity used for heating by approximately 50% compared to electric resistance heating. An energy efficient system will help keep wastewater rates low for rate payers, reduce the plant's carbon footprint, and support a clean energy future.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=577,"Vermont Delegation, Governor Scott Celebrate New Funding for Northern Border Regional Commission Awards",2025-06-24,2025,2025-06,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, the Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large), along with Governor Phil Scott and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC)announced NBRC’s Spring 2025 Catalyst Program awardees. Eleven projects in Vermont will receive a cumulative $13.7 million in funding to support initiatives that will increase market access for Vermont food producers, renovate historic and community gathering sites, and upgrade aging infrastructure and municipal drinking water systems. Established in 2008, the NBRC is a Federal-State partnership in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire collaboration to improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. “The Northern Border Regional Commission plays a crucial role in supporting rural economies and communities in Vermont. These funds will be a catalyst for economic growth in rural communities across our state–from renewing vital drinking water infrastructure to renovating historic buildings and community gathering spaces,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “We’re pleased to see these projects receive funding to help communities in every corner of the Green Mountain State grow and thrive.” “Investing in our communities and fixing aging infrastructure, is key to addressing many of the housing and affordability challenges we’re facing in the state,” said Governor Scott. “I want to thank the congressional delegation for their advocacy for this funding as well as the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and NBRC for their work to support these important projects.” “The slate of awards approved by the Commission represent a generational investment in local economies across Northern New England and New York. This public investment in infrastructure will directly lead to the creation of new jobs and businesses, housing construction and improved economic opportunity and vitality in rural communities,” said NBRC Federal Co-Chair Chris Saunders. “This grant will have a huge impact on our community, and we are so grateful that this resource exists to make these improvements possible. With these funds, the Bolton Valley community will be able to move forward with a much-needed wastewater plant upgrade and set the stage for new residential development. These funds will move the needle on these projects. We truly cannot overstate the impact,” said Lindsay Deslauriers, President, CEO of Bolton Valley Water and Community Development Co. When evaluating potential projects, the Catalyst Program considers project readiness, economic impacts, impacts on Vermont’s skilled workforce, project location, regional input and priorities, and the project’s transformational nature. Awarded projects in the 2025 Catalyst Spring Competition will support essential transportation and water and wastewater infrastructure, expand access to child care, and restore vital economic and social hubs for the rural communities, and more. The 2025 Catalyst Spring Competition Awardees include: · Bennington County Industrial Corporation (Bennington County) – $3,000,000: · Develop essential transportation and water/wastewater infrastructure, supporting long-term economic revitalization in the Putnam Block of downtown Bennington. · Bolton Valley Water and Community Development Co. (Chittenden County) – $3,000,000: · Upgrade the community wastewater plant and construct a new road to support housing and economic growth. · Rutland City (Rutland County) – $3,000,000: · Modernize Downtown Rutland’s infrastructure, enhancing economic growth and resilience. · Town of Highgate (Franklin County) – $1,000,000: · Construct a community wastewater system, enhancing infrastructure for residents, businesses, and public spaces in Highgate Center. · Town of Rochester (Windsor County) – $1,000,000: · Re-purpose the former Rochester High School into a multi-use community hub. · Town of Woodstock (Windsor County) – $868,858.52: · Upgrade its municipal drinking water system, increasing pressure and capacity to support new housing and business development. · Benson Village Trust, Inc. (Rutland County) – $500,000: · Rebuild the Benson Village Store, restoring a vital economic and social hub for the rural community of Benson, Vermont. · Food Connects (Windham County) – $499,385.50: · Expand its storage and distribution infrastructure, increasing market access for Vermont food producers and supporting rural economic development. · Canaan Naturally Connected, Inc. (Essex County) – $449,044.00: · Renovate a historic Episcopal Church into the Canaan Community Center, a vital hub for economic and social engagement in rural Essex County, Vermont. · Southeast Vermont Transit, Inc. (Windham County) – $282,078.00: · Convert Springfield, Vermont’s fixed-route bus system, into a free, on-demand micro transit service. · Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary (Orange County) – $100,000: · Conduct a feasibility study for expanding childcare facilities and outdoor recreation infrastructure, addressing critical service gaps in rural Vermont. Read more from NBRC here. The NBRC’s grants management system will open for Fall Round pre-applications in August 2025. Learn more about how to apply here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=575,Rep. Becca Balint on Supreme Court Anti-Trans Ruling,2025-06-18,2025,2025-06,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint released the below statement following the Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Skrmetti. Three transgender adolescents, their families, and a medical provider challenged a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming hormone therapies for transgender people under 18. The Court’s decision allows the Tennessee law to remain in effect. “Every parent wants to keep their child healthy. Parents and trans young people have the right to make private health care decisions with their doctors. Today’s ruling allowing Tennessee politicians to interfere in private health care decisions is not only draconian, it's dangerous and hateful,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “I want families who are feeling scared today about the consequences of this decision to know that I’m with you. I’m fighting for you in Congress every single day, and I will not back down.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=550,Rep. Becca Balint Calls Out DHS Lack of Accountability for Mahdawi Kidnapping,2025-06-03,2025,2025-06,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“We need answers and accountability for the illegal kidnappings, disappearances and intimidation carried out by Noem and the Trump administration. While not surprising, I’m deeply disturbed that Secretary Noem not only takes no responsibility for these illegal kidnappings, she continues to take pride in them.” Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) reacts to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) response to her inquiry on Mohsen Mahdawi’s arrest and detention. Last Friday, Rep. Balint’s office received the following response from Secretary Noem: “Thank you for your April 16, 2025, letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “The information requested in your letter is currently the subject of active litigation. Accordingly, DHS declines to comment on such matters.” In April, in response to Mr. Mahdawi’s arrest, Rep. Balint and 67 other House Democrats demanded the Administration’s alleged reason for his arrest from Secretaries Rubio and Noem and received no response. On April 30th, Mr. Mahdawi was released on bail following a decision from Judge Geoffrey Crawford. “We need answers and accountability for the illegal kidnappings, disappearances and intimidation carried out by Noem and the Trump administration,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “While not surprising, I’m deeply disturbed that Secretary Noem not only takes no responsibility for these illegal kidnappings, she continues to take pride in them. The fear of being ripped off the streets by masked agents when you show up to work or a citizenship appointment does not make our communities safer. I’m relieved that Mr. Mahdawi has been released and was able to graduate college, but his arrest should terrify us all. Under Trump, ICE and DHS have become a means to carry out political arrests and silence those who disagree with his authoritarian agenda. I’ll continue to demand accountability and justice for everyone in this country, including Mahmoud Khalil and others still being held unjustly.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=549,Becca Balint Statement on 10 Construction Workers Detained by ICE in Vermont,2025-05-30,2025,2025-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement in response to the detention of ten construction workers at an affordable housing construction site in Newport on Thursday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “Today we learned that ten construction workers were detained by ICE at an affordable housing site Newport, Vermont. My office is closely monitoring the situation to ensure every person in this country is given the due process they deserve. “The fear of being snatched up by ICE just for showing up to work does not make our communities safer. It takes away parents and family members from their homes and creates a looming sense of distrust among neighbors. This marks the second mass immigration raid in our state since Trump took office. This is an administration that governs by fear, chaos, and division. This violates our nation’s deeply held values of due process for all and the rule of law.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=532,Rep. Becca Balint Slams House Passage of Republican Budget,2025-05-22,2025,2025-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Early this morning, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), member of the House Budget Committee, released the below statement after the passage of the Republican budget that guts Medicaid, food assistance and other critical programs that Americans rely on. The Republican plan includes over $800 billion in cuts that would decimate Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. These cuts will put rural hospitals at risk of immediate closure. It would kick nearly 14 million Americans off their health insurance and throw at least 3 million people off food assistance, all to bankroll tax breaks for billionaires and massive corporations. The bill passed the House with all Democrats voting no. “A budget is a reflection of our values: what we view as the most important and who we view as the most important. And it’s not you and your family or me and mine. It’s about propping up billionaires and kicking the rest of us in the teeth while they do it,” said Rep. Balint. “This bill comes after the poorest among us to give to the richest. Americans are already struggling to put food on the table, afford for medications, and pay rent in an economy rigged against working people. This bill stands to make that reality much more painful.” “And this massive wealth transfer, passed in the middle of the night, will only exacerbate the already obscene wealth inequality in this country. I was sent to Congress to fight for the needs of working people, to stand up for the rights of every Vermonter and every American. I voted ‘hell no’ on this devastating budget because lives are on the line. Americans deserve so much better than this awful bill. I promise to keep fighting. It’s not over yet.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=531,Reps. Becca Balint and Dave Min Lead Colleagues in Calling Out RFK Jr. Dangerous Autism Comments,2025-05-21,2025,2025-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) is joined by Rep. Dave Min (CA-47) and 24 colleagues to condemn recent comments from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy where he suggested individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cannot lead fulfilling lives and oppose HHS proposals to track autistic individuals via private health data. The Members point out serious concerns about cutting funding, dismantling education programs, and the sidelining of expert advisory committees like the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). Members write to the HHS Secretary as they promote the “Make America Healthy Again,” (MAHA) slogan but recent cuts to programs across federal agencies will have the opposite effect. In a letter to the Secretary the members urge him to retract his statements and call for a renewed commitment to evidence-based ASD research, support for caregivers, funding for IDEA programs, and full implementation of the Autism CARES Act of 2024. “We are deeply concerned and outraged about your recent comments and proposed actions related to autism spectrum disorder,”wrote the Members in the letter. “We write today as Members of Congress, but also as parents, family members, and Representatives of loved ones with ASD to demand that you retract your comments and make clear to the nation that individuals with autism play a constructive and valuable role in American society.” “Instead of vilifying and tracking Americans with ASD, MAHA should help the ASD community by implementing key programs, including: evidence-based research that focuses on improving quality of life, support for caregivers of individuals with ASD, increased access to early childhood screening and interventions, care for adults with ASD and co-occurring psychiatric conditions, and continued access to public health information relating to ASD. It is essential to develop the workforce of the next generation of behavioral pediatricians, psychologists, psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, special educators, and other related health professions,” continued the Members. “This should go without saying but Americans with autism are valuable and constructive members of our communities who lead meaningful and joyful lives,” said Rep. Balint. “I was appalled but not surprised to hear the Secretary continue to spread baseless lies about autism spectrum disorder under the guise of making Americans healthier. I’m standing with colleagues to implore the Secretary to listen and learn more from people with autism and immediately retract these harmful comments. Misinformation coming from someone who should be fighting for the health and safety of our country is not only disgusting but poses real risks to public health.” ""Secretary Kennedy is peddling lies that are devastating to individuals with autism spectrum disorder,"" said Rep. Min. ""Conspiracy theories like those that Secretary Kennedy has pushed forward cause major harm to public health and should have no place in the Health and Human Services Department. He must take back and apologize for these hateful comments."" ""The Autism Society of America is deeply concerned by ongoing threats to critical services and the misalignment in research priorities under the current Administration. The proposed cuts to Medicaid, and disruption of Autism-related programs, risk dismantling the essential infrastructure that millions of Autistic individuals and their families depend on,” said Tracey Staley, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of America. “We appreciate the vital role that Congress plays in overseeing these matters and ensuring accountability and transparency in policies that impact the disability community.” “As a non-partisan organization, the Autism Society of America remains committed to working with HHS to ensure that policy and research reflect the diverse needs of the Autism community and uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals on the spectrum,”Staley continued. The letter was signed by Reps. Bonamici, Cleaver, Correa, Craig, Elfreth, Garcia (CA), Goodlander, Huffman, Johnson (GA), Kaptur, Krishnamoorthi, McCollum, Norton, Quigley, Ramirez, Raskin, Sherman, Takano, Tlaib, Tonko, Torres (NY), Velázquez, Vindman, and Watson Coleman. Find the full text of the letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=529,Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Republican’s Late Night Devastating Budget Cuts,2025-05-18,2025,2025-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C– Tonight, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement after the passage of the Republican budget out of the House Budget Committee late this evening: “In an economy already rigged against working people, Republicans are moving forward with sweeping cuts to the programs that millions of families afloat. Americans just want to be able to pay their rent, afford groceries and health care, get their kids a good education and build a better life. But this budget makes that so much further out of reach. “Republicans have had hundreds of opportunities to stand up for Medicaid, food assistance and our public schools. But tonight, they are again deciding to turn their backs on working people to give tax cuts to their billionaire donors and help corporations rake in even more money. And to do that they are ripping away healthcare from nearly 14 million Americans. This means rural communities will have even less access to care, and our kids and veterans won’t get the medication they need. Their rushed budget will inflict pain on Americans in ways we are yet to even understand.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=528,Rep. Becca Balint Joins Democrats in Taking Down Cruel Republican Budget,2025-05-16,2025,2025-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Budget Democrats successfully blocked the Republican Budget that would have slashed Medicaid, food assistance and other critical programs that Americans rely on. The Republican plan cuts over $880 billion in cuts that would decimate Medicaid, risking the health care coverage for over 13.7 million Americans to bankroll tax breaks for billionaires and massive corporations. These cuts would put rural hospitals at risk of immediate closure due to these cuts, including many of Vermont’s hospitals. “Budget Committee Republicans voted down their own bill because it wasn’t extreme enough to deny health care to 13.7 million Americans, they want to take it even further,” said Rep. Balint. “This failure means another opportunity to fight for what Americans need and want: affordable health care and an economy that works for all of us.” The Republican Budget included: $7 trillion in deficit-financed tax cuts: $5.5 trillion that Republicans fraudulently claim are free, plus another $1.5 trillion in additional revenue losses $880 billion in cuts that will decimate Medicaid $230 billion in cuts that threaten food assistance $5 trillion debt limit increase (Senate instruction) More than $14 trillion in new debt over the decade The Treasury Department found that the extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts would give an average annual tax cut of $32,118 for those in the top 1 percent (family income over approximately $750,000 a year) and an average annual tax cut of $314,266 for those in the top 0.1 percent (making more than $3.5 million a year). Meanwhile, working families will only get a few hundred dollars in tax cuts a year. Read her opening remarks here: “A budget is a reflection of our values, our priorities. What we view as the most important; and who we view as the most important. This Republican reconciliation package is cruel. It makes steep cuts to Medicaid. Millions and millions of people will lose their healthcare because of these cuts. Rural hospitals across this country will close because they won’t be able to make their margins to stay open. Medicaid is that margin. “My Republican colleagues twice voted on the previous budget framework that made steep cuts to Medicaid. And they said over and over that there were not going to be cuts to Medicaid. “And yet here we are. My Republican colleagues are making cuts to Medicaid. And millions and millions of people will lose their healthcare. “But it’s not just a cruel budget. It’s also a cynical one. “Why? Why do I use the word cynical? Because these cuts to Medicaid AND the billions of dollars in cuts to food programs are being made to help pay for a massive tax break for the wealthiest in this country. Food and healthcare versus even more money for people who don’t need Medicaid or food assistance. So, yes, I think it’s cruel and I think it’s cynical. “And get this–despite being lectured repeatedly by Republicans about our country’s deficit, this bill actually adds trillions of dollars to the deficit. I’m serious. Trillions of dollars. “So people will lose healthcare. Kids and veterans will go hungry. Rural hospitals face closures. And the very rich will get even richer at the expense of our children and grandchildren who will shoulder the burden of the additional debt. “Americans overwhelmingly do not want cuts to Medicaid or to food programs. 81% And when we see the full impact—when folks realize what’s being done in their name—they will be outraged. Because it’s a betrayal. “Americans can’t pay their rent right now. Grocery prices are too high. Prescription drug prices are too high. And costs will get higher because of Trump’s stupid tariff regime. And small businesses are really struggling. This is Trump’s economy and it’s rigged against working people. “This budget is not for working people or the middle class. It’s not for folks living paycheck to paycheck. It’s not for rural communities where health outcomes are the worst. “Our constituents are struggling. They feel that despite how hard they work, they can’t get ahead. They’re angry. They want fairness. They want a decent life for themselves and their families. We need to be their voices in this committee. “Let’s not add to the struggles of our people back home. They deserve so much better than this. And Americans are fed up with the way that they are being treated.” Watch her full remarks here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=509,Rep. Becca Balint Announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner,2025-05-13,2025,2025-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Randolph, VT – On Friday, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. This year, 100 high school students from 12 counties and 28 schools across Vermont sent in artwork for submission to the annual competition. This year’s art show marks the 44th anniversary of the competition that Vermont’s then-Congressman James Jeffords began in 1982. This year’s winner from Vermont is Xinyi Cassy Pan, a sophomore at Lyndon Institute in Lyndon Center, Vermont. Xinyi’s teacher is Elly Barksdale. Her art will be on display with other 2025 Congressional Art Competition winners in the US Capitol. “The Congressional Art Competition provides a unique opportunity to bring together young artists to share their work and showcase the talent across our state’s high schools,” said Rep. Balint. “I’m so thankful to represent a state that values and celebrates contributions to the arts and arts education. As a former teacher, as a mom, as a writer, I know how important it is to foster creativity, a love of the arts in our students, and to make it a continued priority in schools.” “I want to congratulate Xinyi for receiving the Grand Prize for her piece ‘Awakening Through New Eyes’ in this year's Congressional Art Competition. I’m so impressed by her work, and I look forward to seeing a piece of Vermont every day in the US Capitol,” continued Rep. Balint. In addition to the Grand Prize Winner, awards were given to the following students: County Winners: · Addison County - Lola Rollins “.5”, Vergennes Union High School – Teacher: Anna Macijski · Bennington County – Willa Seo “Host Father”, Burr and Burton Academy – Teacher: Anharad Llewelyn · Caledonia County – Jenna Thomas “Papa’s Garden”, Lyndon Institute – Teacher: Elly Barksdale · Chittenden County – Jacklyn Whittier “Hideaway”, Champlain Valley Union High School – Teacher: Jason Fearon · Franklin County – Ryah Whitehead “A Moment of Joy”, Enosburg Falls High School – Teacher: Sabrina Bolduc · Lamoille County – Adam Lewis “Hat Day”, Stowe High School – Teacher: Carleen Zimbalatti · Orange County – Caroline Watts “Sick Day”, Thetford Academy – Teacher: Karyn Neubauer · Orleans County – Morgan Breitenbach “Flower Garden”, Lake Region Union High School – Teacher: Stephanie Harper · Rutland County: Carmen Decato “Fighting for Survival”, Stafford Technical Center – Teacher: Karen Kysar · Washington County: Knives Dryfoos “Just Dance”, U-32 High School – Teacher: Kristine Chartrand · Windham County: Jada Wood “Cards”, Leland and Gray Union High School – Teacher: Emily Mulcrone · Windsor County: Jonah Libens-Mavodones “Lost in Those Deceptively Small Keys”, Hartford High School – Teacher: Patrick Kelly Thematic Winner: · Eva Fewell “Little Moments”, Champlain Valley Union High School – Teacher: Jason Fearon People’s Choice Winner: · Clark Clark “A Spot at the Table”, Champlain Valley Union High School – Teacher: Emily McLean Judge’s Choice Winners: · Nikolai Stonorov “Raw Hemmed”, Montpelier High School – Teacher: Colleen Flanagan · Sage Wyndorf “I Spotted-Touch-Me-Not!”, Burlington Technical Center – Teacher: Ashley Stagner · Clark Clark “A Spot at the Table”, Champlain Valley Union High School – Teacher: Emily McLean To see a gallery of the student artwork, please visit: https://balint.house.gov/services/submit-artwork.htm Photos attached of Xinyi Cassy Pan and Congresswoman Balint and of her artwork. Courtesy of the Office of Rep. Becca Balint.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=508,Vermont Delegation Introduces the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act to Protect Vermont Waterways,2025-05-01,2025,2025-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large) this week reintroduced the bicameral Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act. This bill would protect the ecological, recreational, and economic value of Northern Vermont waterways by commissioning a study to determine whether the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream could be included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. “Keeping Vermont's rivers healthy is crucial to the success of our outdoor recreation and tourism industries. We’re proud to once again introduce this legislation as a Delegation help protect our State's natural beauty and boost our economy,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “This bill is an important step forward in preserving and protecting the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream for future generations of Vermonters to enjoy.” The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System protects free-flowing rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational value. Since its creation in 1968, the system has grown to encompass more than 13,400 miles of rivers across the country, including segments of the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers in Vermont. Depending on their characteristics, rivers may be classified as wild, scenic, or recreational. Wild and Scenic rivers are managed to maintain their free-flowing condition, high water quality, and outstanding recreational opportunities, from rafting to fishing. The Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act is supported by a broad coalition of local municipalities, cultural and regional organizations, and environmental conservation groups, including American Rivers, the Connecticut River Joint Commission, Connecticut River Conservancy, Essex County Conservation District, Nature Conservancy, Northeastern Vermont Development Association, Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk – Abenaki Nation, Trout Unlimited (including the David and Francis Smith Northeast Kingdom Chapter), Vermont Chapter of the Native Fish Coalition, and the Vermont River Conservancy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=502,Statement on Mohsen Mahdawi’s Release,2025-04-30,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington , D.C.— The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large) today issued the following statement in reaction to Judge Geoffrey Crawford ordering the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, who was illegally detained by the Trump Administration: “We are relieved that Mohsen Mahdawi was released on bail from ICE detention in Vermont, and that the constitutional right to due process has prevailed. Mohsen Mahdawi is here in the United States legally and acted legally. He should never have experienced this grave injustice,” said Sanders, Welch, and Balint. “The Trump Administration’s actions in this case—and in so many other cases of wrongfully detained, deported, and disappeared people—are shameful and immoral. This is an important first step. We will continue the fight against President Trump’s assault on the rule of law.” Last night, Rep. Becca Balint led a rally at the State Department to demand Mohsen’s release and highlight the unjust abductions across the country. Rep. Balint was joined by Senators Sanders and Welch and others demanding due process for all, ahead of Mohsen’s Wednesday scheduled hearing. Earlier this month, in response to his arrest, Rep. Balint and 67 other House Democrats demanded to know the Administration’s alleged reason for his arrest from Secretaries Rubio and Noem and received no response. Rep. Balint continued, releasing the following statement in reaction to Mahdawi’s release on bail: “Today’s news shows us what we can do when we fight for justice, when we come together and use our voices. Mohsen should have never been detained in the first place. And we won’t let the Trump Administration continue to detain and kidnap people off our streets in our name. The fight doesn’t end here. I want Americans to understand that if the Trump Administration can come for one of us, they will come for all of us,” said Rep. Balint. Link to the livestream of the event here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=507,Rep. Becca Balint Calls out Republican Unjust and Illegal Immigration Policies in House Judiciary Markup,2025-04-30,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) called out the Republican plan to inflate the ICE budget amidst wrongful deportations, illegal abductions of permanent residents and other unjust immigration enforcement practices across the country for the last 100 days. Read her remarks below: “Mr. Chair, on the morning of Thursday, April 24th, about 20 armed federal agents broke into a home occupied by a family of U.S. citizens in Oklahoma City who had just moved there two weeks prior from Maryland. ICE agents, mistaking the current occupants for the former. Broke down the door. Terrorized the family. They repeatedly said, ‘we are citizens.’ ‘You have the wrong people.’ ‘We are citizens.’ It happened in the middle of the night. Three children, at gunpoint, were forced outside to stand in the rain in their underwear while their mother pleaded with these agents to tell them what was going on. They ignored the pleas. They ripped apart the entire house. They seized cash, documents, electronics, their computers as evidence. When the family asked when they would get their stuff back, the agents responded, well, it could be days or it could be months. “This was all a colossal mistake. The names on the warrant did not match the people who lived in the house. This is what we have created here. This is Trump's America. These were citizens who were treated like this. This is what we want you to open your eyes to. If it can happen, as we've said time and time again, if it can happen to folks with greencards, it can happen to citizens. And in Oklahoma City, we see a perfect example of that. This is what we're talking about. It's not other people. It's us. It's our neighbors, it's our friends. It's people who just moved from Maryland to Oklahoma for a better life and have their house destroyed, and they can't get answers. If we watch the rest of the news clip there, they're asking ICE who's responsible for that? And then they're sending them to another agency, and they're sending them to another agency, and nobody is accountable for what happened to them. “This is what my colleagues are trying to fund with this bill. Armed federal agents breaking into homes, even of US citizens, traumatizing them, taking their possessions. This is Trump's America. That's why we continue to talk about due process. It's not some pie in the sky idea. It's what literally holds our country together. Without due process, without the belief in the Constitution, we are not Americans. That's what gives us the ability to say we are an exceptional country in the world, that everyone who lives here gets due process. And we're going to keep saying this over and over and over again. For everyone who lives here. “What happened to that family, once again, of American citizens in Oklahoma City should scare the hell out of all of us. And we should not be using this committee to find more money to pump into ICE so that these things can happen. This family is all of us. That's what we're trying to say today. This family is all of us. And I can't believe that in our name, on our watch, this is happening to people who live in this country. Open your eyes. Wake the hell up. I yield back.” View her full remarks here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=501,Becca Balint Statement on Border Patrol Raid at Vermont Farm,2025-04-22,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Brattleboro, VT – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement in response to the eight workers at a Vermont dairy farm detained on Monday. “Today we learned, eight workers at Pleasant Valley Farm in Vermont were arrested. Border patrol gave no reason for the arrest. My office is closely monitoring the situation to ensure every person in this country is given the due process they deserve. “Vermonters know these family farms are the lifeblood of our communities. When farm workers are living in fear that they will be snatched up, it doesn’t make us safer. It leaves us without food on our tables and real families without parents or siblings at home. The Trump administration is yet again intent on not only ripping apart families but taking our agriculture industry down with it.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=500,Rep. Becca Balint Leads 67 House Colleagues in Demanding Answers on Mohsen Mahdawi’s Arrest,2025-04-16,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) wrote to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State secretaries to demand answers on the illegal abduction and arrest of Mohsen Mahdawi. On Monday, April 14th, masked, hooded men in plain clothes removed Mr. Mahdawi, who was then handcuffed and taken into an unmarked van from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Colchester, Vermont. Rep. Balint is joined by 67 colleagues in demanding answers on Mr. Mahdawi’s arrest and for his immediate release. Mr. Mahdawi is the latest student the Trump administration has targeted involved in pro-Palestinian organizing on U.S. college campuses. Mr. Mahdawi has not been accused of a crime. According to his lawyers, the Trump administration appears to be seeking his removal from the country under the same legal provision that it is using to detain Mr. Mahmoud Khalil, who was removed from his apartment building for his participation in pro-Palestinian groups at Columbia University, earlier this year. Members are demanding answers from Secretary Rubio if this arrest was made under his own personal determination that Mr. Mahdawi’s speech compromises a compelling U.S. foreign policy interest and on what grounds. If that is the case, Members demand to know if the secretary intends to provide certification to the relevant Congressional committees. Members and many constituents are deeply disturbed that DHS could be hijacking citizenship interviews to engage in immigration enforcement activity. “Americans may disagree on immigration policy, but we have always agreed that the Constitution guarantees people within our borders the most basic of rights including due process and free speech. This administration has ignored those fundamental rights in its horrific imprisonment of Mohsen K. Mahdawi,” members wrote to DHS and the State Department. “If Mr. Mahdawi can be tricked into coming to a government office and then arrested for simply making statements that the Trump Administration does not agree with, every American is at risk. We write to express our profound outrage with this Administration’s continued disappearance of lawful residents of the United States and to demand questions about Mr. Mahdawi’s case.” “It is Mr. Mahdawi’s right as a legal resident of the United States to argue for what he believes in. This most fundamental of American rights is crucial to the fabric of our country, and one that America was built upon. In fact, President Trump stated at his joint address to Congress in March, ‘I’ve stopped all government censorship and brought back free speech in America.’ If the President was serious about protecting free speech in the United States, he would protect it for everyone, including those with whom he disagrees. Mr. Mahdawi’s arrest is immoral, inhumane, and illegal. With Mr. Mahdawi’s abduction, the Trump Administration continues to degrade America’s image on the global stage and descend the country further and further into authoritarianism. We profoundly oppose unlawful abductions and expect a prompt response to our questions,” continued the members. “Without due process and the right to free speech, this is not the America we thought we lived in. And it should terrify us all. It’s critical we stand up loudly for the US Constitution in the face of the authoritarian rule from the White House. I’m proud to lead over 60 Democrats in the fight for Mr. Mahdawi’s rights and the basic liberties enshrined into our constitution. Vermonters and Americans everywhere are horrified to learn of these growing illegal arrests and we will not stand by idly,” said Rep. Balint. 67 House Democrats signed the letter including Reps. Amo, Ansari, Barragán, Beyer, Bonamici, Carson, Carter, Casar, Casten, Castro, Chu, Cleaver, Cohen, Correa, Davis (IL), Dean, DeGette, DeSaulnier, Dexter, Doggett, Escobar, Evans, Frost, García (IL), Garcia (CA), Garcia (TX) Goodlander, Green (TX), Hoyle, Huffman, Jackson (IL), Jayapal, Johnson (GA), Kamlager-Dove, Keating, Larson, Lee (PA), McBride, McClellan, McCollum, McGovern, McIver, Moore, Moulton, Mullin, Nadler, Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pingree, Pocan, Pressley, Quigley, Ramirez, Sánchez, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Simon, Thompson (MS), Tlaib, Tokuda, Tonko, Trahan, Velázquez, Waters, Watson Coleman, Williams (GA)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=489,"Sanders, Welch, Balint Statement on Trump Detaining Mohsen Mahdawi",2025-04-14,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Burlington, VT – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Rep. Becca Balint (Vt.-AL) today released the following statement on the illegal detention of Mohsen Mahdawi by the Trump Administration: Earlier today, Mohsen Mahdawi of White River Junction, Vermont, walked into an immigration office for what was supposed to be the final step in his citizenship process. Instead, he was arrested and removed in handcuffs by plainclothes, armed, individuals with their faces covered. These individuals refused to provide any information as to where he was being taken or what would happen to him. This is immoral, inhumane, and illegal. Mr. Mahdawi, a legal resident of the United States, must be afforded due process under the law and immediately released from detention.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=488,Rep. Becca Balint Votes No on Budget with Hundreds of Billions in Cuts to Medicaid and Food Assistance,2025-04-10,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) voted no on the Republican Budget. The Republican budget provides trillions in tax cuts for the rich but does nothing to lower costs for American families. It increases the deficit while inflicting pain on the most vulnerable, while raising the debt limit by $5 trillion. This budget slashes at least $230 billion from food assistance programs at a time when grocery prices remain high. It cuts at least $880 billion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), threatening coverage for nearly 20 million Americans who rely on the ACA and more than 72 million people who depend on Medicaid—including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. These kinds of cuts risk the stability of rural hospitals who depend on Medicaid reimbursements to keep their doors open. 157,471 Vermonters enrolled in Medicaid and Chips in 2024, putting nearly a quarter of the state at risk of losing their health care. “This Republican budget is yet another giveaway to billionaires at the expense of working Americans. They control the House, the Senate and the White House and they could be passing legislation to make your life more affordable,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “But they’d rather kiss up to the billionaire class while shutting down vital programs that Vermonters rely on. All while driving up the deficit by trillions.” “House Republicans had opportunities to take things like social security and Medicaid cuts off the table. But they can’t help themselves. They are intent on making deep cuts that risk the healthcare of millions. It’s truly sickening, and I won’t stand for it,” concluded Rep. Balint who spoke in opposition to the Republican budget during floor debate last night. Rep. Becca Balint is a member of the House Budget Committee. Throughout the budget resolution consideration, Rep. Balint has offered amendments to protect Social Security and reduce health insurance costs. This week, her amendment to prevent the House of Representatives from considering legislation that would cut Social Security benefits, increase the retirement age, or privatize Social Security was rejected by Republicans in the Rules Committee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=487,Rep. Becca Balint Launches Monopoly Busters Caucus as Founding Member,2025-04-09,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined her Democratic colleagues to launch the Monopoly Busters Caucus. The Monopoly Busters Caucus will help promote a pro consumer, pro worker, and pro small business economic agenda, ensuring members have support to better communicate Democratic work to combat corporate consolidation. The caucus will work on policy like lowering prices and tackling corporate greed from corporate grocery stores, big agriculture, healthcare consolidation and more. During the 2024 election cycle, over 65 percent of voters polled in seven battleground states and Ohio said they supported the government suing to break up monopolies and economically powerful companies. Another poll of voters in these states showed that 67 percent of voters think corporate power and a lack of government pushback is one of the biggest problems facing the country; 58 percent had a favorable opinion of government enforcement of antitrust laws. “I’m fired up to be launching the Monopoly Busters caucus because this is an issue that impacts every one of us even though it can feel abstract or distant. So, let’s boil it down: it’s about fairness and about protecting working people from the power and greed of giant corporations,” said Rep. Balint “Because we know when fair competition is stifled, we all pay the price. Rural people feel the squeeze as they see their hourly wage unable to carry them through to the next paycheck. These corporations must be held accountable. It’s obscene. ” The caucus will be chaired by Reps. Jayapal, Deluzio, Ryan and Craig. Rep. Balint will serve as a founding member and is a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust. The full livestreamed launch event can be seen here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=486,ICYMI: Rep. Becca Balint Joins Bicameral Spotlight Hearing to Hold Trump Accountable,2025-04-08,2025,2025-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On Monday, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, for a bicameral spotlight hearing to demand answers on the Trump Administration’s attacks on the rule of law. Rep. Balint questioned the witnesses on Trump’s attacks on the American legal system, the importance of judicial independence and the dangers of Trump’s authoritarian actions. “It’s important to understand that Trump’s actions – while based on his personal grievances – are not only petty, they are designed to remove the checks on unlimited power, the guardrails that protect our democracy,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “Trump and all his enablers in Congress seem to think laws do not apply to them. They don’t care about the Constitution, they don’t care about the rule of law, and they certainly don’t care about our rights. We need more courage like yours in order to stand up to this,” Rep. Balint concluded in her statement to the witnesses. “ While my GOP colleagues passively watch Trump punish his critics and take a jack hammer to the work of anti-corruption fighters at the Department of Justice, Democrats are lifting up the tough Americans who are standing strong against the corruption and lawlessness of Trump,” said Ranking Member Raskin. Witnesses included: Ryan Crosswell, Former Trial Attorney, Public Integrity Section, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice Liz Oyer, Former Pardon Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice Rachel Cohen, Former Senior Associate, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Stacey Young, Former Senior Trial Attorney, DOJ Civil Rights Division, and Founder and Executive Director, Justice Connection Watch Rep. Becca Balint’s full remarks here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=481,Rep. Becca Balint Introduces the Transgender Health Care Access Act,2025-03-31,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, on Trans Day of Visibility, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced the Transgender Health Care Access Act. As Republicans nationwide continue to demonize and attack trans Americans to score political points, access to health care is becoming more and more limited. Twenty-seven states have some form of ban on medical care for trans youth. The Transgender Health Care Access Act would expand access to live-saving, evidence-based health care and invest in training for health care providers. The bill funds programs to train medical providers in providing gender affirming care. This bill explicitly excludes conversion therapy from funding, which 12% of transgender people were subjected to last year. The bill is cosponsored by 30 House Democrats. The Transgender Health Care Access Act would: · Train more providers in gender affirming care · Improve medical education curricula for gender affirming care · Expand capacity of Community Health Centers to provide this care and · Expand access in rural communities by connecting rural providers to training opportunities In his first few months in office, President Trump has signed six executive orders targeting trans Americans. The executive orders remove funding for medical care, further limiting access to evidenced-based care. Other Trump actions include illegally banning trans Americans from military service and banning trans kids from school sports. The Trump Administration has also taken steps to erase trans Americans from history including by removing the word trans from federal websites. “Republicans are obsessed with attacking trans people. It’s dangerous. Over and over again they use messages designed to get Americans to fear one another and to divide us,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “But I want queer and trans Americans to know you have fighters and allies in Congress. As Republicans use their power to take away health care and continue to attack and dehumanize trans folks, I’m not standing down. That’s why I’m introducing this bill to expand access and train more providers. It’s critical that trans Americans have access to appropriate and quality care no matter where they live. I’m proud to stand with trans Americans, advocates, and allies to demand equality, dignity, and accessible health care for everyone ” The bill is endorsed by Advocates for Trans Equality, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Center for American Progress, the Congressional Equality Caucus, Equality California, the Human Rights Campaign, the Trevor Project, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “Everyone — no matter their zip code or who they are — deserves access to the care they need. This legislation would play a critical role in building a strong, sustainable framework that supports the transgender community in accessing health care. When we ensure robust access to medical care, we tackle disparities across all communities and health outcomes improve. By establishing key protections and resources, this bill helps reduce stark health disparities and ensure transgender people can get the care they need without unnecessary barriers,” said David Stacy, Vice President of Government Affairs at HRC. “Across the country, transgender people and their families have been targeted by a coordinated effort to control their lives and their bodies, banning their healthcare and uprooting the lives of thousands of families. While we wait for a Supreme Court ruling in our challenge against such a ban, it’s more critical than ever for our elected allies in Congress to stand strong in their principles and put forward a positive, proactive vision for all Americans. We applaud Congresswoman Balint for her leadership in introducing the Trans Health Care Access Act and urge more elected officials to follow her example and defend the freedom of all Americans to be themselves without fear,” said Ian Thompson, Senior Legislative Representative for the ACLU. “CAP is proud to endorse the Transgender Health Care Access Act. In creating new funding programs for education and training in transgender health care, this bill provides a solution for providers who want to take care of their patients and trans people who haven’t been able to safely access the health care they need. Improving physicians’ competency will decrease the discrimination rates and care denials trans people often experience at the doctor’s office,” said Caleb Smith, director of LGBTQI+ Policy at CAP. “Transgender health care is best-practice, medically necessary care supported by all major medical associations in the country. We appreciate Rep. Balint’s commitment to supporting the trans community and thank her for her leadership.” ""Some of the most powerful people in the world are working around the clock to erase our community, to deny us access to lifesaving healthcare and to pretend like we don't exist. We are here and we have always been a part of this country,” said Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Executive Director, Advocates for Trans Equality. “Access to transition-related care is medically necessary for transgender patients, a position that is overwhelmingly supported by doctors, scientists and the medical literature. It is safe, effective and life-saving. We want to thank Congresswoman Balint for introducing this legislation and for her leadership in supporting trans families."" “Transgender people are the same as everyone else – they need access to competent, evidence-based health care that improves their health and wellbeing. Lack of access to competent care and a shortage of well-trained providers are some of the most serious problems facing transgender people. The Transgender Health Care Access Act would greatly improve access to care, especially in the places where it is most needed: rural communities and community health centers. Congress should pass this critically-needed legislation,” said NCLR Senior Staff Attorney, Chris Stoll. The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Ansari, Crockett, Danny Davis, Espaillat, Evans, Jacobs, Jayapal, Hank Johnson, Julie Johnson, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, Landsman, Summer Lee, McClellan, McCollum, McIver, Nadler, Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Pocan, Ramirez, Randall, Schakowsky, Takano, Thanedar, Tlaib, Tokuda, Tonko, Velázquez, and Watson Coleman. Find the bill text here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=479,"ICYMI: Rep. Balint, Joins Senator Tina Smith and Rep. Andrea Salinas to Demand RFK Jr. Rescind Harmful Comments on Mental Illness, Anti-Depression Medications",2025-03-25,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Becca Balint joined Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) in leading their colleagues in a bicameral letter demanding the Secretary of Department of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rescind his past statements further stigmatizing mental health treatment. His comments include misinformation such as the use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can be linked to school shootings and that SSRIs are more addictive than heroin. Both claims have zero scientific evidence behind them and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. SSRIs are one of the leading treatments for depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions and are used by nearly 32 million Americans each year. “We write to express our deep concerns regarding the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s troubling characterization of mental and behavioral health medication and your recent comments promoting disproven and outright false theories about these important treatments. These statements further stigmatize the mental and behavioral health challenges that one in five Americans live with, and can have a chilling effect on Americans seeking scientifically sound, medically necessary, and appropriate care,” wrote the lawmakers. “A mental health illness is exactly as the name says, an illness. Similar to a physical health condition or illness, sometimes medication is necessary for treatment. For individuals with mental illness, it is no different. In addition to therapy, medications may be necessary and appropriate. For individuals living with moderate or severe depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or other conditions, medication can alleviate symptoms so they can function normally and have improved quality of life. We urge you to retract your harmful and false comments on mental illness and the usage of SSRIs. The American people want to see the federal government address the burden of mental and behavioral health challenges, for which there is much more bipartisan work to be done. But it is imperative that in doing so, we follow research and best practice guidance, and that harmful stereotypes and stigma are not reinforced,” the letter continued. “Tens of millions of Americans struggle with mental health challenges. Prescription medication has long been one of the tools that medical providers use to treat illness. Mental health is no different,” said Rep. Balint. “To mischaracterize these medications as a “threat” is deeply dangerous and inflammatory. The Department of Health and Human Services should be a trusted source on all health issues - including mental health, especially as we face a growing mental health crisis in this country. I’m deeply disturbed that Secretary Kennedy continues to make reckless comments that could affect the health of millions of Americans. Medications for disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and substance use can change lives. We should be able to work toward bipartisan mental health solutions rather than tearing down our fellow Americans.” “Secretary Kennedy’s false statements about certain mental health medications aren’t just unhelpful, they’re dangerous,” said Rep. Salinas. “The stigma around seeking help is bad enough as it is, and we can't afford more misinformation – much less coming from our federal government. Secretary Kennedy needs to retract these comments, stick to the science, and stop spreading his untrue and unqualified opinions about how to treat mental illness and addiction.” Secretary Kennedy has a long history of pushing harmful stereotypes around mental and behavioral health issues. Most recently, he directed the Department of Health and Human Services to assess the “threat posed by the prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, [and] stimulants.” While the focus of this portion of the Commission is making children healthy, the characterization that these medications pose a “threat” will have far-reaching implications for Americans of all ages seeking and accessing mental health treatment and only serves to further stigmatize mental illness. He has implied a link between antidepressants and school shootings and pushed for the issue to be researched, even though a comprehensive analysis of FBI data from 200-2017 found that the majority of school shooters were not previously treated with psychotropic medications, and of those who were, no direct or causal association was found. He falsely stated that SSRIs are addictive, saying at time they are more difficult to wean off of than heroin. Mental health professionals have widely denounced that characterization, including Keith Humphreys, a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford, characterized antidepressants and heroin as existing in “different universes” in terms of addiction risk. Of course, like any medication, the usage and stoppage of SSRIs should be a decision made between a patient and their provider with continued monitoring and consultation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=471,Rep. Becca Balint Reintroduces the Stop Comstock Act to Repeal Antiquated Law that Could be Misused to Implement National Abortion Ban,2025-03-12,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) is joined by Reps. Scanlon (PA-05) and Watson Coleman (NJ-12) to introduce the Stop Comstock Act in response to clear Republican intent to misuse the antiquated and unconstitutional statute, the Comstock Act, to prohibit the mailing of medication abortion and other materials used in abortion procedures. The bill would repeal the portions of the Comstock Act that anti-choice extremists intend to misuse to enact a nationwide abortion ban. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn) introduced the Senate companion bill. The House bill is cosponsored by 110 other House Democrats and 23 Senate Democrats. President Trump has bragged about his leadership in the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, even praising the “genius” of the Supreme Court following the decision. So far in his second term, Trump’s Justice Department has withdrawn from an important lawsuit against the State of Idaho to ensure that women in that state could obtain abortion care to during a medical emergency. Today, a Louisiana woman charged with a felony for obtaining safe and effective medication abortion across state lines, pleaded not guilty. President Trump’s words and actions have empowered states to come after women who obtain FDA approved drugs from other states, a dangerous development in the fight for access for women no matter their zip code. “Right wing strategists have been foaming at the mouth for years to abuse antiquated laws to take women back to the 1800s,” said Rep. Balint. “And now they have a president in the White House who has never stood for women’s rights. We must act to take away their tools to bypass Congress and enact a national abortion ban. It’s backwards, it’s dangerous and puts women and doctors at even further risk. I’m proud to stand alongside Senator Smith to introduce the Stop Comstock Act, which would take this outdated and unconstitutional law off the books.” “We just witnessed a barrage of Trump nominees who evaded giving a straight answer on abortion pill access every time they were pressed during hearings. We’re seeing states pursuing criminal charges against doctors who prescribe medication abortion to women suffering under total abortion bans. We know that this fight is not over, that they are methodically moving through the plans laid out in Project 2025, and we need to be ready with every tool available when the Trump Administration inevitably turns its focus to the Comstock Act and tries to misuse a law passed 50 years before women had the right to vote to ban abortion nationwide. With Donald Trump in the White House, the threat to women’s reproductive health and freedom is more urgent than ever,” said Senator Smith. ""With the growing influence of Project 2025 in Trump’s Washington, DC, and the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, we have seen an explosion in lawsuits, legislation, and administrative advocacy designed to ban abortion nationwide,"" said Rep. Scanlon. “Among other measures, this movement seeks to willfully misapply and weaponize the Comstock Act, a relic of the Victorian era. I'm proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate in introducing the Stop Comstock Act as part of our ongoing work to protect Americans’ rights and freedom to choose medically safe reproductive health care, including medical abortion care.” “Actions by the Supreme Court and state legislatures as well as the extreme rhetoric of Donald Trump and the GOP Congress have left the door open to future bans on medication abortion, even in states where reproductive healthcare is protected. It’s on Congress to shut that door,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Medication abortion is safe and effective. Repealing portions of the Comstock Act of 1873 will help keep these safe and widely used medications available across the country. I’m so proud to co-lead this bill with Rep. Balint, the culmination of decades of work dating back to the efforts of the late Senator Lautenberg of New Jersey. It’s high time the GOP majority abandoned their obsession with stripping away people’s freedom to make their own medical decisions. I strongly encourage Congress to take up and pass this bill.” The Comstock laws are a set of 1800s laws to ban the mailing or shipping of every obscene, lewd, lascivious, indecent, article, matter, thing or device, with the goal of restricting abortion, contraceptives, sex toys, and even love letters. Federal appellate courts have consistently held that the law does not apply to lawful abortion care. Nonetheless, Republican strategists have been clear that they intend to misuse these antiquated and unconstitutional statutes to criminalize providers and impose a nationwide abortion ban. The Stop Comstock Act would repeal provisions of the Comstock laws in the U.S. Code that anti-abortion extremists want to willfully misapply in order to ban abortion nationwide without any congressional action. The bill is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Reproductive Freedom for All, Indivisible, Catholics for Choice, Take Back the Court Action Fund, National Council of Jewish Women, Healthcare Across Borders and UltraViolet Action have endorsed the Stop Comstock Act. “Abortion opponents have made clear that they’ll stop at nothing to ban abortion nationwide. They want to control people’s bodies, lives, and futures, and they’re willing to misuse the Comstock Act to try to ban abortion entirely, even though most Americans support reproductive freedom. Abortion opponents want to misapply the law even though the courts, Congress, and the Department of Justice have repeatedly rejected their extreme arguments. Planned Parenthood Action Fund will continue to raise the alarm about efforts to ban abortion and restrict sexual and reproductive health care,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “The Comstock Act has long been considered obsolete. It’s a harmful, misogynist, Victorian-era relic with no place in today’s world. But anti-abortion extremists are now trying to weaponize the Act to criminalize abortion and enforce offensive, antiquated notions of morality and gender roles. This effort goes against a century of judicial and Congressional interpretation and the will of the majority of people in this nation who support access to abortion care. We applaud Senator Smith and the bill’s other cosponsors for reintroducing legislation that refuses to enforce offensive, antiquated notions of morality and gender roles,” said Katie O’Connor, Senior Director of Federal Abortion Policy at the National Women's Law Center Action Fund. “The FFRF Action Fund is grateful to Sen. Tina Smith and Rep. Becca Balint, a proud member of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, for reintroducing the Stop Comstock Act. The Comstock Act is a dangerous, antiquated law that anti-abortion extremists are eager to weaponize as a key tool of Project 2025 to impose a religious agenda on all Americans. We must repeal this archaic statute to protect reproductive freedom — including access to contraception — and uphold our nation’s secular principles,” said Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF Action Fund president. ""The radical right-wing effort to weaponize the Comstock Act and further restrict access to abortion and birth control medication must be stopped. As long as Congress keeps Comstock on the books, right-wing extremists will have a powerful tool to control our lives. We urge the House of Representatives to vote to repeal this archaic law before it can be used to undermine our access to health care,” said Nicole Regalado, Vice President of Campaigns for UltraViolet Action. “Right wing extremists have been fighting for decades to ban abortion nationwide. Now they have the power to carry out their agenda–without a single vote in Congress–by weaponizing the antiquated Comstock Act, which would be used to prohibit the distribution of contraception, medication abortion, medical instruments, and more,” said Jodi L. Jacobson, Founder and Executive Director of Healthcare Across Borders. ""Project 2025 made clear their plans to use Comstock not only to ban abortion, but to criminalize other forms of essential care, including contraception, IVF, gender-affirming care, and HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment. Congresswoman Becca Balint, the original author of the House bill to repeal the Comstock Act, is now reintroducing that bill for this Congress. It is absolutely critical to repeal Comstock to protect reproductive rights and public health writ large. We call on every Democratic House member to cosponsor this bill.” Original cosponsors of the bill are Reps. Amo, Auchincloss, Barragan, Beatty, Bera, Bonamici, Brown, Brownley, Carbajal, Carson, Casten, Carter (LA), Casar, Case, Cherfilus-McCormick, Chu, Cleaver, Cohen, Connolly, Craig, Crockett, Davis (IL), Dean, DeGette, DeLauro, DelBene, Deluzio, DeSaulnier, Dexter, Doggett, Espaillat, Evans, Figures, Foushee, Frankel, Friedman, Frost, Garamendi, Garcia (CA), Garcia (IL), Garcia (TX), Gomez, Gottheimer, Grijalva, Hayes, Huffman, Ivey, Jacobs, Jayapal, Johnson (GA), Kamlager-Dove, Keating, Kelly (IL), Kennedy, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, Landsman, Larsen, Larson, Latimer, Lee (NV), Lee (PA), Leger Fernández, Lieu, Lynch, Magaziner, McBride, McClain-Delaney, McCollum, McClellan, McIver, Menendez, Min, Moulton, Mullin, Nadler, Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pettersen, Pocan, Ramirez, Raskin, Ross, Ryan, Salinas, Schakowsky, Schneider, Sewell, Sherman, Sherrill, Stansbury, Stanton, Strickland, Swalwell, Sykes, Takano, Thanedar, Titus, Tlaib, Tokuda, Tonko, Trahan, Vargas, Velázquez, Wasserman Schultz, Waters, Williams (GA), Wilson. Summary of the bill can be found here. The text of the House bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=470,Rep. Becca Balint Votes No on Republican Funding Bill: A Blank Check to Trump and Musk,2025-03-11,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint released the following statement on the Republican continuing resolution, which lacks critical guardrails to protect our institutions against President Trump’s attempts to dismantle the government: “This bill is another gift to Elon Musk and Donald Trump - giving them a pretense to further strip our checks and balances until Trump is truly a king. It does nothing to help working people - in fact, it jeopardizes Social Security, food assistance and reneges on veterans’ medical care. Republicans have ignored the basic necessities and responsibilities of government. This bill would leave us without enough funding for disaster relief or essential infrastructure projects. If Republicans were serious about meeting the needs of Americans, they would have come to the negotiating table.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=450,Rep. Becca Balint Will Not Attend Trump’s Joint Address,2025-03-04,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) announces she will not attend President Trump’s joint address. She will instead join programming that will provide real time fact-checking, a Democratic pre-buttal and live reactions. She will join Senators Murphy, Schatz, Markey and Alsobrooks along with other elected leaders, political commentators, and Move On, an organization focused on mobilizing for political progress. “I watched as the President swore an oath to uphold and protect the constitution. I won’t sit and watch him lie to the American people again,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “I attended the inauguration because I believe in the peaceful transfer of power, but Trump spewed lies, stoked division and fear and made no effort to unify our country. There is no doubt tonight’s presidential address will be more of the same. My conversation tonight will be the best way I can use my voice for Vermonters. They are sick of the lies and Trump’s complete and utter disregard for our constitution.” The virtual conversation begins at 8:15pm and will include a pre-buttal to Trump's address, followed by a live chat feed during his speech at 9pm to fact-check and discuss in real-time. The event can be live streamed from Rep. Becca Balint’s Youtube channel. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=451,Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Trump’s Destructive Tariff War,2025-03-04,2025,2025-03,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement in response to Trump’s escalating trade war with some of our closest allies. The tariff’s going into effect today include a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy. China and Canada both have already imposed tariffs on U.S. goods today, retaliating immediately against the Trump administration’s decision to enact tariffs on imports from their countries. “These tariffs will be devastating for Vermont. Let me be clear, Vermont families and businesses will feel the pain of this reckless decision. Already the uncertainty has hammered Vermont’s small business community and brought chaos to trade relations with our state’s number one trade partner, Canada. The harm will ripple throughout our economy, making everything from housing materials and heating bills to groceries more expensive. And Vermonters know we can’t afford to make housing more expensive and less accessible. Vermonters are disturbed by Trump’s disregard for our livelihoods just so he can play games to build his ego.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=448,Rep. Becca Balint Leads 88 Members in Calling out Trump’s Dangerous Trans Youth Health Care Ban,2025-02-26,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) led 88 colleagues in a letter to President Trump to call out his reckless attempt to end access to life saving care for transgender young people. Balint and her colleagues note that this shocking interference in private medical decisions, which should be made by doctors, patients, and their families. This letter comes following a demonstrated anti-trans agenda from President Trump and his administration. “We urge you to rescind your unlawful, unconstitutional attempt to end access to life-saving care for transgender young people immediately. You should be listening to trans young people, their families, and their doctors. The evidence is clear: the medical care you seek to ban saves lives and we want trans kids to live,” the members wrote. “This dangerous ban is an astonishing attempt to interfere in private health care decisions. Trans young people, their parents and their doctors should be the ones making their health care decisions. No one should need to ask the President’s permission to access life-saving, evidence-based health care,” the members continued in the letter. Trump’s executive order against lifesaving health care for trans young people is one of many anti-trans actions the Trump Administration has taken since January. The executive orders include removing trans Americans from the military and banning trans kids from school sports. The Trump Administration has also taken steps to erase trans Americans from history including by erasing the word trans from federal websites. The letter is endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, Advocates for Trans Equality and the American Civil Liberties Union. “Without question, withholding access to this care for trans adolescents is nothing short of a betrayal of the well-established ethical principles of the medical profession. We are heartened and inspired by Representative Balint’s continued resolve and leadership, in calling on her colleagues to fight this administration every step of the way in their constant attempts to target a vulnerable subgroup of an already vulnerable community. Representative Balint and her co-signing colleagues clearly understand what is at stake in this fight and we are proud to endorse this letter and the efforts of all members of Congress who have signed on,” said Sinéad Murano-Kinney, Advocates for Trans Equality Health Policy Analyst. ""Since his first day back in office, Donald Trump has unleashed a sweeping campaign of hate, censorship, and chaos on the lives of transgender Americans and their families. His effort to coerce their doctors to abide by his will instead of their best medical judgement is particularly alarming and threatens the well-being of transgender young people nationwide. We're thankful for the leadership from Congresswoman Balint and would encourage all of our elected allies to stand united against this unjust and dangerous policy,” said Ian Thompson, Senior Legislative Advocate for the ACLU. The letter is signed by Alma Adams, Gabe Amo, Yassamin Ansari, Nanette Barragán, Donald Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Salud Carbajal, André Carson, Greg Casar, Sean Casten, Judy Chu, Emanuel Cleaver, Joe Courtney, Angie Craig, Jasmine Crockett, Jason Crow, Danny Davis, Madeleine Dean, Diana DeGette, Suzan DelBene, Mark DeSaulnier, Maxine Dexter, Lloyd Doggett, Veronica Escobar, Adriano Espaillat, Dwight Evans, Lizzie Fletcher, Laura Friedman, Jesús García, Robert Garcia, Sylvia Garcia, Daniel Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Raúl Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, Chrissy Houlahan, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry Johnson, Julie Johnson, Timothy Kennedy, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Greg Landsman, Rick Larsen, Summer Lee, Sam Liccardo, Sarah McBride, Jennifer McClellan, Betty McCollum, James McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Robert Menendez, Kevin Mullin, Jerrold Nadler, Eleanor Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Jimmy Panetta, Brittany Pettersen, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Delia Ramirez, Emily Randall, Jamie Raskin, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sánchez, Mary Gay Scanlon, Janice Schakowsky, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Eric Sorensen, Melanie Stansbury, Greg Stanton, Eric Swalwell, Mark Takano, Mike Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Paul Tonko, Nydia Velázquez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Nikema Williams, and Frederica Wilson. Read the full text of the letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=445,Rep. Becca Balint Votes No on Budget with Hundreds of Billions in Cuts to Medicaid and Food Assistance,2025-02-25,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C – Tonight, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) voted no on the Republican Budget. The bill passed 217-215 with all Democrats voting no. The House Republican budget provides $4.5 trillion in tax cuts for the rich but does nothing to lower costs for American families. It increases the deficit while inflicting pain on the most vulnerable, while raising the debt limit by $4 trillion. This budget slashes at least $230 billion from food assistance programs at a time when grocery prices remain high. It cuts at least $880 billion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), threatening coverage for nearly 20 million Americans who rely on the ACA and more than 72 million people who depend on Medicaid—including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. 157,471 Vermonters enrolled in Medicaid and Chips in 2024, putting nearly a quarter of the state at risk of losing their health care. “Republicans have the House, the Senate and the White House and they could be passing legislation to make your life more affordable,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “They could be working to bring down the cost of groceries or prescription drugs or housing. But instead, Trump is shutting down vital programs that protect and support Americans. And Republicans are letting him. All of this is to line the pockets of their billionaire friends with over $4.5 trillion in tax cuts.” “Their budget plans to rip healthcare away from over 38 million children, take food assistance from families in need and pull the rug out from Americans who depend on Medicaid. It’s shameful. It’s a kick in the teeth to working people to give the ultra-wealthy another unneeded break.” “I want Vermonters to understand this budget is a devastating blow to working Americans. It means people will lose their health care, rural hospitals won’t have the funds they need to keep the lights on, families will have to choose between groceries and insulin. I’m sickened to see Republicans unify around selling out their own constituents.” Watch her remarks on the House floor here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=423,Rep. Becca Balint Introduces Youth Mental Health Legislation,2025-02-21,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) reintroduced the Peer Education and Emergency Response (PEER) for Mental Health Act. This legislation would support peer mental health training for teachers, school personnel, parents, caregivers, and students. The United States is in the midst of a youth mental health crisis, with an alarming 76 percent of public schools reporting concerns about depression, anxiety, and trauma in students since the start of the COVID pandemic. As attacks on our education and health care systems continue nationally, it is important that we double down on efforts to support youth mental health. The PEER Mental Health Act allows for students, teachers, and others to participate in training that enables them to assist students in crisis by giving them the tools they need to respond safely. “Mental health first aid is one tool in the toolbox to combat this crisis among teens and kids. I’m proud that the PEER Mental Health Act will help ensure that students are trained and ready to assist their peers in a mental health crisis,” said Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL). “When young people are trained to help one another, it means healthier and safer communities.” Mental health first aid training is an evidence-based investment in our communities. Just like how students are taught how to respond to a fire or conduct CPR, everyone should know how to respond to a peer experiencing a mental health emergency. Mental health first aid training teaches participants the basic signs of both long-term mental illness and immediate mental health emergencies. This legislation will award grants to train teachers, school personnel, parents/caregivers and students in mental health first aid to: Recognize symptoms of mental health disorders in children in adolescents Refer participants to necessary mental health treatment Identify signs of immediate mental distress (such as a panic attack) and, upon recognizing such signs apply mental health first aid tactics Educate participants on the resources that are available in the community for individuals with a mental illness. ""We can solve America’s mental health crisis, but only if we work together. This legislation brings us closer to that goal by training students, teachers, and parents to identify the signs of a mental health disorder and empower them with tools to effectively support one another,” said Congresswoman Andrea Salinas, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus. “While we must continue to hire more school counselors and trained professionals, it’s also important that staff and students are equipped to recognize and respond to mental health distress in their peers. Doing so will save lives and promote happier, healthier futures.” “Mental Health First Aid provides people from all walks of life the training necessary to identify mental health needs in their colleagues, friends and loved ones — and to help them find the care they need. This is particularly important for people who live in rural areas, where needs can go unidentified and access to care may be more limited,” said Chuck Ingoglia, president and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “We applaud Rep. Balint for introducing the PEER Mental Health Act, which will empower parents, caregivers, teachers and students to recognize mental health needs early, before a crisis develops, and help ensure no young person struggles alone.” ""Too many of our children are experiencing mental health challenges. Our teachers and school personnel are on the front lines of this crisis, and they need more training to help our children,"" said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). ""Rep. Balint's PEER Mental Health Act will help ensure that teachers and school personnel receive the mental health training they need to assist our children. NAMI is proud to support the PEER Mental Health Act."" The bill is endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the National Council on Mental Wellbeing, the National Education Association (NEA), and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT). Rep. Balint is a member of the Congressional Rural Health Care Caucus; the Mental Health Caucus; the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus; and the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. More information on the bill here. For the text of the bill here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=414,Rep. Becca Balint Calls Out Republican Budget Cuts for Working People in Budget Committee,2025-02-13,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint joined her Democratic colleagues united against the Republican Budget Reconciliation bill. This resolution gives more than $4.5 trillion in tax breaks to billionaire donors and big corporations. To pay for these tax breaks, Republicans plan to make cuts to essential programs that Vermonters rely on. Nearly 20 million Americans rely on the Affordable Care Act for health coverage, and more than 72 million—including children, seniors, and people with disabilities—depend on Medicaid. And House Republicans are proposing at least $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid and the ACA, ripping away coverage and raising health care costs for millions. Over 40 million Americans rely on SNAP to help feed their families. But this budget slashes at least $230 billion from food assistance programs, even as grocery prices remain high. Rep. Balint will introduce amendments to the resolution to protect ACA tax credits and to prevent cuts to social security benefits, increase the retirement age or privatize social security. Partial remarks below: “Here's the deal: We’re four weeks in and the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are betraying the middle class. “Republicans have the house, the senate and the White House and they could be passing legislation to make your life more affordable. They could be working to bring down costs on groceries or prescription drugs or housing. But instead Trump is shutting down vital programs that protect and support Americans. And Republicans are letting him. “Just this week, the Trump administration shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the agency that is responsible for protecting us from waste, fraud and abuse. The CFPB is one of the few places in government actually charged with standing up to the big banks and corporations who have ripped off consumers. It has sent 21 billion dollars back to those who have been victims of corporate crimes. Every single state has residents who have benefited from the work of the CFPB. Shutting it down reveals a real contempt for American consumers. “This president should be laser-focused on bringing down costs for Americans, and making sure everyone can live a life of security and dignity. But instead, the Trump administration is taking a wrecking ball to those programs that provide Americans with relief and some economic security. And again Republicans are letting him do it. “This Republican budget resolution shows the deep betrayal of working Americans across this country. They have proposed a budget roadmap that gives massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and corporations. And how will they pay for the rich getting richer? By making deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. They are kicking the poor and middle class to give the ultra wealthy another unneeded break.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=420,LAST NIGHT: Republicans Reject Balint Budget Amendments to Protect Health Care and Social Security,2025-02-13,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced two amendments to the Republican Budget plan to hold Republicans accountable for protecting affordable health insurance and Social Security. Both were rejected by every single Republican on the committee. The first amendment introduced by Rep. Balint would protect healthcare for millions of Americans. It strikes language in the Republican budget that would take away the tax credits that help people afford their health insurance. The second would prevent the House of Representatives from considering legislation that would cut Social Security benefits, increase the retirement age, or privatize Social Security. The Republican budget gives more than $4.5 trillion in tax breaks to billionaire donors and big corporations. To pay for these tax breaks, Republicans plan to make cuts to essential programs that Vermonters rely on. Nearly 20 million Americans rely on the Affordable Care Act for health coverage, and more than 72 million—including children, seniors, and people with disabilities—depend on Medicaid. And House Republicans are proposing at least $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid and the ACA, ripping away coverage and raising health care costs for millions. Over 40 million Americans rely on SNAP to help feed their families. But this budget slashes at least $230 billion from food assistance programs, even as grocery prices remain high. “Americans feel exhausted and overwhelmed as they continue to face high costs of housing, healthcare and groceries,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “Congress should put all of our time and energy into relieving these pressures. We should be working overtime together to cut costs for our people back home to ensure that everyone can live a life with dignity and security. But that’s not what’s happening here. “Instead, Republicans are working hand in hand with the Trump administration to make the richest people in the world even richer. This will not bring us stability and security. When 83 percent of tax cuts goes to the richest 1 percent, we have lost our way. “I’m deeply concerned that not one of my Republican colleagues could take a stand for Social Security or affordable health care today. But we’ve been shown who they stand for: billionaires and Donald Trump. We need to finally make our nation’s budget work for working people.” View Rep. Balint’s remarks introducing her amendment to protect ACA tax credits here. View Rep. Balint introducing her amendment to prevent cuts to Social Security benefits, increase the retirement age or privatize Social Security here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=413,Rep. Becca Balint joins rally to protect the Department of Education,2025-02-12,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined her Democratic colleagues and the National Education Association in front of the U.S. Capitol to call out Trump and Musk’s plans to dismantle the Department of Education. This comes as Trump is expected to issue an executive order abolishing the U.S. Department of Education, ripping essential resources from nearly 50 million American students and gutting civil rights protections against discrimination based on race, gender, and disability. “If we let Trump pull down the Department of Education, these kids are not going to have a shot. No. It's as simple as that,” Rep. Balint said to the crowd outside the Capitol. “You know it in your classrooms. You know it as parents. We can't let that happen. That's why I'm out here today, to make sure that our kids have a path to a better life. So say it with me. Knowledge is power.” View the speech here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=411,Rep. Becca Balint Calls out Trump for Dismantling Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,2025-02-10,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined Financial Services Committee Ranking Member, Rep. Maxine Waters and other colleagues, to call out the Trump Administration for dismantling the government agency charged with protecting consumers from financial crimes and fraud. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has returned over $21 billion dollars back to the American public since its creation in 2011. “I'm standing up here, it’s so important for me to be here today to represent rural America, representing all of those folks back home in Vermont that cannot believe that the one place that they are looking to save money is the one place in government that is protecting all of us from the kind of fraudsters and scammers that are in the White House right now,” said Rep. Balint. “I want you to look around, and I want you to see we are all in this together,” Rep. Balint said to the crowd gathered outside the CFPB. “You are not in this alone. And we are members of Congress, and we have some power. But you, you have the power of your voices. We have to legislate. We have to litigate. We have to agitate. And you are out here agitating. for all of those people who can't be here today, all of those people living at the end of dirt roads in my home state of Vermont. Here's the thing: I need all of us to think about the way that we are thinking about and talking about our fellow Americans. I know that sometimes people will say things like, we're here sticking up for the little guy. There is no little guy. There are just Americans, and everyone deserves a fair shot.” View her remarks here. View photos of the rally here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=408,Rep. Balint Denounces Attempts to Shut Down the Department of Education,2025-02-07,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined her colleagues in front of the Department of Education to call out Trump and Musk’s intention to defund and close the department. Members of Congress demanded to speak to the acting secretary and conduct oversight of the department but were denied entry. View the speech here. Her remarks below: All of us know that when we stand here, we are standing in front of your schools back home in your districts. That's what this is about. And I'm thinking about all of the students that I have had over the years, kids from all different backgrounds who have hopes, who have dreams, and who understand in the most deep way that knowledge is power. Knowledge is opportunity. Knowledge is their ticket to a better life. And I know that parents and grandparents across this country, they want their kids and grandkids to do better than they did. How's that going to happen? It's going to happen through education. That's how it's going to happen. It is a path to a better life. It's a shot at something, a shot at something better. I don't care if you're in Idaho or Texas or Maryland or Maine. You deserve opportunities for your kids and your grandkids. That's why we're out here today. Follow the money. As so many of my colleagues have said, follow the money. Who are they taken from and who are they given to? It is absolutely, absolutely outrageous that they're trying to take money away from our kids to give it to billionaires. Knowledge is power, and we need to make sure we use our power to protect public education. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=480,ICYMI: Republicans Block Rep. Becca Balint’s Amendments to the HALT Fentanyl Act,2025-02-07,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced two amendments to the HALT Fentanyl Act to include common sense resources to fight the substance use disorder crisis, both were rejected by Republicans. The first amendment would have doubled the funding for the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant. This block grant supports states and communities’ work to prevent and treat substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and tobacco use. All Vermont communities have been impacted by the substance use crisis and this grant goes directly to assist them. The second amendment would directly support communities recovering from natural disasters by funding local substance use disorder and mental health care resources. “Republicans aren’t serious about addressing this country’s opioid crisis. We need real community-based solutions that support recovery and mental health services. Instead, they brought to the floor a bill that aims to incarcerate more people rather than get to the root of this crisis. Incarceration is not a solution. We need to work urgently to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery options to work for our communities,” said Rep. Becca Balint.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403,ICYMI: Rep. Balint calls out Trump's attack on federal workers and civil servants,2025-02-06,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint spoke on the House floor on Wednesday evening to call out President Trump’s attack on the federal workforce. Vermont is home to 8,000 federal workers. By purging federal workers, President Trump and Elon Musk are trying to create chaos and confusion that will harm Americans. View the speech here. Her remarks below: I'm here today to stand with our federal workers and civil servants and to tell them that we will fight these illegal actions. The Trump administration is treating our federal workforce as if they are the enemy. These are regular Americans who work important jobs all over the country, not just in D.C. but in all of our districts. In fact, 85% of the nonpartisan civil servants are spread around the country. Vermont is home to 8,000 of these federal workers. They're part of the 2 million federal workers that operate our national parks. They're scientists at the FDA. They work at hospitals, at NASA. They protect our national security. In fact, 70% work on behalf of our national security and defense. And I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, I am deeply concerned that the illegal purge of our civil servants at the Department of Justice and at the FBI will lead to another 9/11 terrorist attack. And Americans, I ask you, do we really want to put our nation at risk so that billionaires can get a massive tax cut? Follow the money. That's what this is about. Firing our federal workforce to fund tax cuts for billionaires. Don't keep, don't be fooled by what's happening here. It is about the money. Follow the money. Our federal workers are civil servants because they're here to serve the people. They are hired on a nonpartisan basis because they keep our country running. They keep us safe. This, what is happening, is an illegal takeover of our government. Our government. By locking them out of their jobs, firing them illegally, and bullying them out of a job, Trump and Musk are trying to create chaos and confusion and it will harm Americans. Not just the people who are being fired illegally, but it will harm all of those Americans in our districts who seek services from these workers. And none of this, none of this is about making our government work better for Americans. It is a well worn tactic used by authoritarians and dictators like Orban in Hungary and Bolsonaro and Brazil. And they do it to destroy government services so that they create chaos and they create confusion and then we turn against each other. This administration is using chaos and cruelty to amass power and wealth, but not for us, not for Americans. Only for them. I yield back. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404,Rep. Becca Balint Calls Out Dangers of Republican “DEI” Obsession,2025-02-06,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint, a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, called out the Republican obsession with “DEI”. Immediately following the Los Angeles wildfires in January, Republicans blamed diversity for this tragedy in a committee hearing. Transcript below: Balint: The scale of this disaster is really almost impossible to comprehend. We've got 29 people who are dead. We've got 16,000 structures that were destroyed. So many Californians were injured. And while these devastating fires were raging on, Republicans first reaction was to blame the wildfires on DEI. So I’d like every witness to answer this simple question, yes or no. Do you believe people in Los Angeles died because the fire chief is a lesbian? Mr. Greenhut: No. Mr. Ring: No. Mr. Hilton: No. Mr. Frievalt: No. Balint: Great. So glad we established that, but I want to remind everyone that while raged through Main Street in the Palisades, Elon Musk said that ‘DEI means people die,’ in reference to the Los Angeles Fire Department's response. And my house colleagues seem to agree. This here is a tweet from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene posted on her official social media. It says, ‘How's your DEI mayor of Los Angeles working out for you?’ So it's become crystal clear that the phrase DEI is used in place of much more offensive terms to talk about people of color. You talk about women, queer people in this country. It's sickening and they're literally saying this while people were dying. So obviously, this has nothing to do with the families who lost everything. It does not do anything for the communities that were destroyed. It's absolutely the wrong way to deal when you have a natural disaster. I know because the last two summers in Vermont, we've had catastrophic flooding. What people need in this moment is leadership. Americans need us to get the resources that they need out to them immediately. America does not need a president that is hell-bent on dismantling our federal emergency management system or conditioning aid to California to profit off of a community's devastation. All this talk of DEI is a complete and utter distraction from the fact that we need a plan, an actual plan to help the people of California who lost everything.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398,ICYMI: Rep. Balint Launches Rapid Response Email Alerts for Constituents,2025-02-05,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced an email program to keep Vermonters and other Americans updated on her work in Congress. Rep. Balint is using every maneuver and tool at her disposal in the face of the Trump Administration’s whirlwind of executive orders, mass deportations, agencies defunded, civil servants fired and our constitution under attack. “Vermonters are understandably worried. I will be sending frequent updates to keep Vermonters up to date and check in on their concerns. I want folks to know I hear you and I’m standing with you, no matter who you voted for,” said Rep. Balint. “This is an urgent constitutional crisis we are facing and I’m not taking this lightly.” Rep. Balint’s congressional office has heard from Vermonters from across the state at unprecedented levels, calling and writing in to express their concern. Rep. Balint will continue to send frequent emails to constituents who sign up for email alerts as well as update Vermonters via her social media channels and otherwise. Link to sign up for alerts here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396,Rep. Becca Balint Speaks at Rally in Protest of Elon Musk Hostile Takeover of the Treasury Department,2025-02-04,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today on Tuesday, February 4 at 4:45pm ET, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) will join other members of Congress and organizations to call out Musk’s hostile takeover of the Treasury Department. President Trump has handed over the keys to the federal government and its checkbook to an unelected billionaire. He’s invading financial systems that hold all Americans’ addresses and personal information. This information is used to send out Social Security checks, Medicare reimbursements, and tax refunds–upwards of $5 trillion in transactions a year. “I will not stand idly by while Elon Musk illegally seizes control of payments systems at the Treasury Department. This is nothing short of a hostile takeover of our government. This kind of reckless action puts Medicare, Social Security, and other essential payments at risk for working families who depend on it. I’ll be outside Treasury today to say: No unelected billionaire should have control of the government and private information,” said Rep. Becca Balint. The live stream is available to view on Rep. Balint’s Instagram and Youtube accounts. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397,Rep. Becca Balint Protests Elon Musk’s Hostile Takeover of the Treasury Department,2025-02-04,2025,2025-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined her colleagues, including Senator leadership and Ranking Member Raskin and others at the Treasury building to call out Musk’s hostile takeover of the Treasury Department. Members of Congress demanded to speak to the Secretary and conduct oversight of the department but were denied entry. President Trump has handed over the keys to the federal government and its checkbook to an unelected billionaire. He’s invading financial systems that hold all Americans’ addresses and personal information. This information is used to send out Social Security checks, Medicare reimbursements, and tax refunds–upwards of $5 trillion in transactions a year. A lawsuit was filed this week against the Department of the Treasury for sharing confidential data with the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), run by Elon Musk. “We need all of you to be our eyes and ears,” Balint urged the crowd of over 1000 gathered in Washington. “Authoritarians win when we stop paying attention. You have to tune in. You have to get the truth out. I know how tired you are. I know it. You are not just doing this for you. You’re doing it for your neighbors who don’t have a pot to piss in. You're doing it for the folks who don’t know if their kids are going to get fed tomorrow. This is not just about us. It’s about everyone. We know the people who did not let us in today, they are not thinking about us. They are only thinking of them.” View her remarks here. View photos of the rally here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:42:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394,Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Trump’s Unconstitutional Federal Freeze Order,2025-01-28,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement following the Trump Administration’s unprecedented decision to pause congressionally approved federal grants and loans: “Trump’s decision to halt federal assistance hurts every community across Vermont, and in every state. It means funding for disaster relief, fire departments, child care, food assistance, farms and so much more are no longer headed to the families and states in need. It means preschools unsure if they have the funds to operate, disaster victims unable to rebuild, and grants to research cancer are suspended. “Trump ordered these grants and loans to be abruptly halted because they ‘advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies.’ But let’s be clear, nothing about disaster relief or small business loans are ‘woke’ or about “social engineering.’ His first weeks in office show us where his priorities lie. Straight out of the Project 2025 playbook, Trump is ripping billions of dollars from our communities, causing chaos and confusion, and leaving folks without the funds they are counting on. “Attempting to use his power to override congressionally approved funds is not only devastating for working people in every state, it’s blatantly unconstitutional. This is no less than a hostile takeover of congressional powers that sets a dangerous precedent for Congress’ ability to act as a separate branch of government. What we’re seeing is yet another attempt by Trump to erode our democracy and inflate his own unchecked power at the expense of working people.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:38:47Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395,"Sanders, Welch, Balint on Impact of Trump Administration’s Move Towards Authoritarianism on Vermonters",2025-01-28,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Rep. Becca Balint (Vt.-AL) today released the following statement after the Trump Administration ordered a pause in all federal grants and loans, a sweeping decision that could disrupt education and health care programs, housing assistance, disaster relief and a host of other initiatives that depend on billions of federal dollars: President Trump’s decision to freeze all federal grants and loans will cause devastating harm to working families across Vermont. This unconstitutional action will impact more than 1,200 Vermont kids in Head Start programs; more than 10,000 women, infants, and children in Vermont who use WIC to keep from going hungry; nearly 200,000 Vermont patients who use community health centers; nearly 24,000 Vermonters who use the LIHEAP program to stay warm through the winter; 9,000 Vermonters who rely on Section 8 vouchers to keep a roof over their head; more than 12,000 Vermont seniors who rely on nutritious food from Meals on Wheels and at senior centers; countless Vermont communities that are still recovering from devastating floods; and all of our Vermont firefighters and police officers who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. This decision by the Trump Administration will cause immense pain for the most vulnerable people in Vermont and across our country. It represents a dangerous move toward authoritarianism. No president has the right to choose which laws to follow and which laws to ignore. Donald Trump is endangering the health and well-being of Vermonters. We will do everything in our power to see that it is reversed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:38:47Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=393,Vermont Congressional Delegation and Governor Scott Announce $3.8 Million in Northern Border Regional Commission Grants for Vermont Communities,2025-01-27,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Montpelier, V.T. – Today, the Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large), along with Vermont Governor Phil Scott and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) announced the recipients of the NBRC’s Fall 2024 Catalyst Program and Forest Economy Program Awards. Seven projects in Vermont will receive a cumulative $3.88 million in funding, which will support projects including early childhood education, a new surplus crop processing center and food hub, and rural health care clinic upgrades. Established in 2008, the NBRC is a Federal-State partnership in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire collaboration to improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. NBRC encourages projects that take a creative approach to accomplishing those goals. “The Northern Border Regional Commission plays a major role in fostering long-term economic development in communities across Vermont. These new investments from the NBRC will support seven projects that benefit folks in every corner of the Green Mountain State–from building new child care centers to making energy-efficient upgrades to purchasing new classroom supplies,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “We’ll continue to work alongside state and local partners to support the growth and success of rural communities in Vermont.” “These infrastructure, economic and community development projects make important investments across Vermont,” said Governor Scott. “These projects will help revitalize our rural communities and I want to thank our Congressional Delegation for their support.” When evaluating potential projects, the Catalyst Program considers project readiness, economic impacts, impacts on Vermont’s skilled workforce, project location, regional input and priorities, and the project’s transformational nature. Awarded projects in the 2024 Catalyst Fall Competition will help pay for start-up costs—including classroom supplies and furniture for the Orange County Parent Child Center—implement new energy-efficient facilities at the Carlos G. Otis Health Care Center, transform a vacant facility into a child care center in the Northeast Kingdom, expand water and sewer infrastructure throughout the Town of Essex, and more. The 2024 Catalyst Fall Competition Awardees include: Carlos G. Otis Heath Care Center (Windham County) - $1,000,000: o Replace two aging, inefficient structures with a new energy-efficient facility that will increase patient privacy and enhance accessibility. Orange County Parent Child Center (Orange County) - $379,124.82: o Funding for furniture, playground equipment and classroom supplies, as well as start-up operations costs towards launching the early childhood education program. Northeast Kingdom Community Action (Essex County) – $62,888: o Convert a facility previously utilized as a health clinic into a childcare center providing 8 to 10 new Early Childhood Education spots. Salvation Farms (Lamoille County) - $469,621.30: o Establish a 6,100 square foot Surplus Crop Processing Center & Food Hub. Town of Essex (Chittenden County) - $500,000: o Planning and design to support the expansion of water and sewer infrastructure throughout the Essex Town Center area where proposed municipal facilities, fire station, library, and community space are planned. Vermont Council on Rural Development (Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor Counties) - $472,192.28: o Provide 9 rural communities with targeted, holistic capacity building services and support for long term economic development success. This project will scale up services to meet the overwhelming demand for facilitated community-led prioritization, technical assistance, leadership coaching, and resource guiding. Read more from NBRC here. Pre-applications for the 2025 Catalyst Program are due February 28. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:38:47Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391,Rep. Becca Balint Statement on President Donald Trump’s Inauguration,2025-01-20,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement following President Donald Trump inauguration: “My attendance today served as a reminder that supporting our democracy means we don’t only attend the peaceful transfer of power when our candidate wins. As we move forward into a critical time in our nation’s history, I’m choosing calm. Not because I’m blind to the dangers we face, but because this moment requires calm, focus and a clarity of purpose. As we heard outlined today, there is so much at stake, we can’t afford to get distracted or lose focus. Our very democracy is on the line. The work ahead will be challenging, hate and fear mongering serve to distract us. I want Americans to know: nothing will stop us in our fight for freedom, true equality, affordable housing, the planet, and a fair shot for every working family to thrive.” “Today, I’m reminded of the following quote from Martin Luther King Jr: ‘The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.’ “It’s time we face the challenges and attacks ahead with courage and clarity. I’m ready for the work ahead to defend our Constitution and will be working tirelessly to address the urgent needs of Vermonters and working people across America.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:38:47Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392,"Sanders, Welch, Balint on Tragedy at the Northern Border",2025-01-20,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Coventry, V.T. - Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Rep. Becca Balint (Vt.-AL) today released the following statement following a reported incident resulting in the death of a Border Patrol Agent in Coventry, Vermont — near the northern border: Today, Vermont and the U.S. Border Patrol experienced a tragic loss when a Border Patrol agent assigned to the Swanton Sector was shot and killed near Coventry, Vermont. Our deepest condolences go out to the agent’s family, and to the Border Patrol. We will continue to monitor this situation with federal and state authorities and are appreciative of the first responders and emergency medical service providers who responded to the scene. Border Patrol agents do important work protecting our borders. They deserve our full support in terms of staffing, pay and working conditions. We look forward to working with the agency to make sure that they have all the resources they need to do the enormously important work that is their responsibility. Together, we must do everything possible to prevent future tragedies like what happened today.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:38:47Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390,Rep. Becca Balint Announces Attendance at 60th Inaugural Ceremony,2025-01-17,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) announces she plans to attend the 60th Inauguration ceremony this Monday. Rep. Balint penned an op-ed explaining the importance of public displays of support of the peaceful transfer of power. Read excerpt below: “My presence at the inauguration will be my way of saying “I see you and I know what you’re about. And I won’t be intimidated by you.” It will be a way to show Americans and viewers across the world that I respect the vote of the people, unlike Trump himself. Four years on, he’s still lying about the 2020 Election. And Republican leaders in both the House and the Senate are not just complicit in these lies; they facilitated them, and they are now trapped by them. Their fealty to Trump and his ridiculous lie have revealed their willingness to give away their own legislative power. Of course, it’s bad for our democratic institutions, but it’s also bad for the voters who sent them here to work on their behalf. Americans don’t want massive tax giveaways to billionaires. They don’t want Social Security and Medicare to be on the chopping block. They want real relief from an economy that’s rigged against them.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:38:47Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=389,Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Reported Ceasefire Agreement,2025-01-15,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – In response to the reported Israeli government and Hamas ceasefire and hostage agreement, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement: “Finalizing a ceasefire deal is extremely welcome news. I’m relieved to finally end the horrific suffering and violence of the last 15 months. The surviving hostages will be reunited with their families at last, and the bombs will stop. But the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will continue to demand the world’s attention. This is a critical first step in rebuilding the political stability and safety of the entire region and securing a free and self-determined Palestine. Attentive and serious diplomacy will be imperative to achieving true lasting peace and a safer future for Palestinians and Israelis.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:38:47Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=386,Rep. Becca Balint Slams Republicans on House Floor for Harmful Ban on Trans Kids Playing Sports,2025-01-14,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) spoke on the House Floor to condemn H.R. 28, a hateful bill that invades the privacy of children and puts trans Americans at further risk. This ban could subject elementary school aged kids to interrogation and examinations from unknown adults. View the speech here. Her remarks below: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in fierce opposition to this bill. Trans Americans are not the problem. This obsession with monitoring kids' genitals is absolutely the problem. Let's be clear. This is about kids. My kids, your kids, all kids. All kids, even elementary school kids playing basketball. I'm a mom of two teens. I'm a former teacher. I know what kids are going through in school. They are already self-conscious about their bodies. They just want to be on the soccer field with their friends. They certainly do not want to be humiliated by members of Congress. So, come on, let's talk about what enforcement looks like, because you guys, you don't want to talk about it. We know there is only one logical conclusion to this. This is interrogation of young girls. About their bodies. This is asking people to show them what is underneath their underwear. That is what we’re talking about. This is the logical conclusion for this bill. So, it's vile. It's twisted. They don't want to talk about the details. It's an absolute invasion of children's privacy. Far from protecting anyone, it puts our children at risk. And actually, I urge colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reject this government overreach. I yield back. As the first openly queer person to represent Vermont in Congress, Rep. Balint is a fierce advocate for LGBTQI+ rights and a voice in Congress for trans rights. She serves as Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:38:47Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388,Rep. Becca Balint Returns to Powerful House Judiciary Committee as Newly Elected Vice Ranking Member,2025-01-14,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) was elected Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, the number two spot for Democrats on the committee. Rep. Balint will serve on the House Judiciary Committee under the leadership of Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. This will be Rep. Balint’s second term serving on the House Judiciary Committee. “The House Judiciary Committee will be the center of so much of the essential civil rights and democracy work ahead. I’m honored to work with Ranking Member Raskin to lead our members through these critical fights – taking on corporate greed, shoring up reproductive freedoms, preventing gun violence, strengthening our democracy and voting rights, and defending LGBTQI+ rights. The next few years will bring challenges, but I’m looking forward to drawing on my clarity of purpose as we face direct attacks on our civil liberties and freedoms by the incoming far-right Trump Administration. It’s time to get to work on behalf of the rights and needs of working people across the country,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “I am happy to announce that Vermont’s beloved Rep. Becca Balint will be serving alongside me as the Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee for the 119th Congress,” said Ranking Member Raskin. “As a seasoned leader and strong voice on matters for democracy and civil rights, Rep. Balint will bring a fresh perspective, masterful debate skills, and a great passion for the mission ahead as Committee Democrats head into the breach to defend Americans’ civil liberties and our Constitutional order. She brings to this role a rich depth of experience, having served as an educator, activist, and leader in the Vermont State Senate—where she led the passage of the first gun safety laws in the state’s history. I am confident Rep. Balint will be a powerful force in countering the chaos of our Republican colleagues as well as an effective partner in our work to advance pragmatic solutions to the issues facing Americans. “I hope my colleagues will join me in welcoming Rep. Balint to this new post,” continued Raskin. “Rep. Becca Balint will be an excellent Vice Ranking Member of the esteemed House Judiciary Committee in the 119th Congress, and her well-deserved appointment is a reflection of her exceptional talents and strong leadership in Vermont and beyond. Collaborating closely with Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, this committee will address critical challenges and advance meaningful initiatives for the American people. I look forward to witnessing all that Rep. Balint will achieve in this vital role,” said Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse. The Judiciary Committee is at the forefront of some of the issues most important to Vermonters and all Americans, including protecting freedom and civil liberties, oversight of the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, with jurisdiction over antitrust laws, terrorism and crime, gun violence prevention and immigration reform. Rep. Balint will serve as a member of the Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust and the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:38:47Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=385,Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Anniversary of January 6th Insurrection,2025-01-06,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on the anniversary of the January 6, 2021, insurrection: “As I prepare to fulfill my duty to certify the election today, I’m reminded of the attack on our Capitol and our democracy four years ago. It’s essential that we ensure that such an assault on our democratic process is never repeated, by strengthening our democracy and standing for the constitution. Democracy doesn’t work if we only accept it when our candidate wins. We cannot take for granted that democracy can be fragile and requires us to fight for its future. “Today, I’m also honoring the lives lost, those injured, and the sacrifices officers made to protect our nation’s Capitol and the peaceful transfer of power from violent attack.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:38:47Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=384,Rep. Becca Balint Sworn In to Represent Vermont for 119th Congress for her Second Term,2025-01-03,2025,2025-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) was officially sworn in as a Member of the House of Representatives for the 119th Congress, her second term. She is the sole representative for Vermont in the House of Representatives. In 2023, she became the first woman and first LGBTQI+ person to represent Vermont in Congress. Following her swearing in, Rep. Balint released the following statement: “It’s the honor of my life to continue my service as Vermont’s voice in the House of Representative,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “Today marks the start of another two years of fighting for Vermont’s priorities to lower the cost of housing, improve mental health and health care, combat climate change, protect reproductive rights, strengthen our democracy, and fight for equality. The challenges that lay ahead are great, but they present an opportunity for Vermont’s values to shine the way forward for our country. And I’m more ready than ever to take on these challenges. I’m committed to a future where every Vermonter is heard and their needs are met.” In the 118th Congress, Rep. Balint served on the House Judiciary Committee; the Subcommittee on Constitution and Limited Government; the Subcommittee on Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust; and the House Budget Committee. She served as Vice Chair for New Members of the Progressive Caucus; Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus; and Vice-Chair of the Equal Rights Amendment Caucus. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:38:47Z