U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Boozman's 2025-2026 Congressional Youth Cabinet Wraps Up with Legislative Presentations
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Sen. John Boozman, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release:
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Boozman's 2025-2026 Congressional Youth Cabinet Wraps Up with Legislative Presentations
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Congressional Youth Cabinet participants present to Sen. Boozman at the Arkansas State Capitol.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) applauded members of his 2025-2026 Congressional Youth Cabinet following their legislative proposal presentations at the Arkansas State Capitol this month. Throughout the school year, 80 accomplished students participated in the senator's initiative to foster
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Sen. John Boozman, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release:
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Boozman's 2025-2026 Congressional Youth Cabinet Wraps Up with Legislative Presentations
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Congressional Youth Cabinet participants present to Sen. Boozman at the Arkansas State Capitol.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) applauded members of his 2025-2026 Congressional Youth Cabinet following their legislative proposal presentations at the Arkansas State Capitol this month. Throughout the school year, 80 accomplished students participated in the senator's initiative to fosterpublic policy engagement.
"For many years now, I have had the privilege to convene bright and motivated Natural State students to explore public policy issues they care about," Boozman said. "This year's CYC was another excellent demonstration of young Arkansans bringing their passion for civics to this unique opportunity to research, debate and offer solutions that impact them, our state and nation. I am immensely proud of their hard work and how they represented themselves, their families and schools, and we look forward to what they will accomplish in the future."
Boozman presents certificates to Congressional Youth Cabinet participants.
Designed by the senator's office as a nonpartisan, civics-based program, the Congressional Youth Cabinet offers students first-hand experience with the democratic process and an opportunity to develop research, collaboration and leadership skills while engaging in meaningful policy discussions.
This year's CYC brought together dozens of high school juniors, grouping them with peers from other schools in their respective congressional districts to select a legislative topic of interest and craft policy solutions with guidance from the senator and his staff. Their proposals covered a wide variety of topics including maternal and infant health, artificial intelligence, financial literacy, livestock disease prevention and telehealth.
Boozman convened the participants in Little Rock in October for a kick-off event, urging the students to embrace the opportunity and enjoy building relationships with one another over the course of the program.
Boozman addressed Congressional Youth Cabinet participants during their presentation.
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Original text here: https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=91583743-07DF-468E-B5D0-12B443B45F4A
Blumenthal Slams Senate Republicans' Vote Against Iran War Powers Resolutions
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Blumenthal Slams Senate Republicans' Vote Against Iran War Powers Resolutions
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[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after Senate Republicans voted down legislation to reclaim Congressional authority under the War Powers Act and condemn President Trump's unauthorized military action in Iran:
"For the fourth time, Senate Republicans are choosing blind loyalty to Donald Trump over what
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WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Blumenthal Slams Senate Republicans' Vote Against Iran War Powers Resolutions
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[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after Senate Republicans voted down legislation to reclaim Congressional authority under the War Powers Act and condemn President Trump's unauthorized military action in Iran:
"For the fourth time, Senate Republicans are choosing blind loyalty to Donald Trump over whatthe American people want and need. The Republican Congress deserves to be held responsible for Trump's reckless actions in Iran and its catastrophic consequences: U.S. servicemembers deployed and killed; civilians slaughtered; and Americans are seeing their bills skyrocket. We're going to continue holding our colleagues and this Administration accountable for Trump's costly, illegal war and will keep bringing up votes under the War Powers Act."
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Original text here: https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-slams-senate-republicans-vote-against-iran-war-powers-resolutions
Bilirakis and Bell Lead Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing April as Parkinson's Awareness Month
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis, R-Florida, issued the following news release:
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Bilirakis and Bell Lead Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing April as Parkinson's Awareness Month
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Washington, D.C.- Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) re-introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. The resolution honors the more than one million Americans living with Parkinson's disease and calls for increased public awareness, federal research investment, and support for individuals and families affected by the condition.
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WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis, R-Florida, issued the following news release:
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Bilirakis and Bell Lead Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing April as Parkinson's Awareness Month
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Washington, D.C.- Today, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) re-introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. The resolution honors the more than one million Americans living with Parkinson's disease and calls for increased public awareness, federal research investment, and support for individuals and families affected by the condition.
" Parkinson's disease is not just a diagnosis - it is a life-altering condition that impacts entire families and communities," said Rep. Bilirakis. " For too many Americans, the emotional and financial toll is overwhelming. This resolution ensures we elevate awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing research and care. Congress must continue working in a bipartisan manner to confront the challenges posed by Parkinson's disease. Together, we can improve quality of life for those affected today while driving progress toward a cure for tomorrow."
" Parkinson's disease is a heartbreaking reality for far too many families," said Rep. Bell. " I'm proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Congressman Bilirakis because the patients and families impacted by this disease deserve to know that people are advocating for them. By publicly recognizing the scope of this disease, we are taking a step toward a better future for the families impacted- a future that includes earlier diagnosis, better patient care, and more funding for research and breakthroughs."
" The Michael J. Fox Foundation commends Representatives Bell and Bilirakis for spearheading this bipartisan effort to recognize the 1.2 million Americans living with Parkinson's and related diseases," said Dan Feehan, Chief Policy and Government Affairs Officer at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. " As we mark Parkinson's Awareness Month, we remain focused on accelerating the pace of discovery and ensuring broader access to high-quality care. That means sustaining and increasing federal investment in Parkinson's research, advancing efforts to better understand environmental contributors to disease, and fully implementingthe National Parkinson's Project to keep driving progress. We've seen remarkable advances in Parkinson's research, and by working together, we can reach a cure even faster for the fastest-growing neurological disease in the U.S. and around the world."
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disease that primarily affects motor function, but it can also lead to cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, and mental health challenges. Roughly 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's each year, and that number is expected to rise as the population ages. The economic burden of the disease is estimated at more than $52 billion annually in the United States alone, including direct medical costs and indirect costs like missed work and caregiver time.
Representatives Bilirakis and Bell also introduced this resolution in 2025.
Issues : Health Care
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Original text here: https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-and-bell-lead-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-april-parkinsons
Beyer, Van Hollen Renew Push for Millionaires Surtax to Invest in Working Families
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Rep. Don Beyer, D-Virginia, issued the following news release:
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Beyer, Van Hollen Renew Push for Millionaires Surtax to Invest in Working Families
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Today, on Tax Day, U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-Va.) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) reintroduced their Millionaires Surtax Act, legislation to address the growing income inequality gap between wealthy and working Americans and raise significant revenue to support everyday families and grow our economy.
This surtax would implement an additional 10-point tax to incomes above $2 million for married couples
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Rep. Don Beyer, D-Virginia, issued the following news release:
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Beyer, Van Hollen Renew Push for Millionaires Surtax to Invest in Working Families
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Today, on Tax Day, U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-Va.) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) reintroduced their Millionaires Surtax Act, legislation to address the growing income inequality gap between wealthy and working Americans and raise significant revenue to support everyday families and grow our economy.
This surtax would implement an additional 10-point tax to incomes above $2 million for married couplesor above $1 million for individuals - applying equally to wages and salaries as well as to capital gains and other investment income. This is a simple, straightforward reform that avoids common loopholes that the wealthy often try to exploit to game the tax code. The nonpartisan Yale Budget Lab estimates that this proposal would raise $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. This legislation is endorsed by a wide array of over 40 economic, labor, and nonprofit organizations.
A similar millionaire surtax framework is also a core component of Senator Van Hollen and Representative Beyer's Working Americans' Tax Cut Act, which fully offsets the cost of providing tax relief for millions of Americans who are struggling to afford the cost of living.
"The Millionaires Surtax is an urgently needed plan to restore fairness to the tax code, fight accelerating inequality, and fund important priorities for the American people," said Congressman Beyer. "The Republican tax cuts in the first and now the second Trump term, as we feared, have led to enormous benefits for the wealthy. The unprecedented accumulation of wealth within a tiny class of people has distorted our politics, harmed the economy, and left unchecked, will eventually tear the country apart. Our legislation would help stop this trend by requiring the wealthiest to start paying their fair share. It would also benefit working people by providing revenue to help offset the cost of necessary investments in education, healthcare, childcare, and infrastructure."
"Our federal tax code is stacked in favor of the wealthy, especially those who make their money off of money - while disfavoring working Americans who are living paycheck-to-paycheck. I'm fighting for a fairer system that ensures those who are stretching to make ends meet can keep more of what they earn, while asking the well-off to pitch in more. Our millionaires' surtax proposal is a simple way to raise new revenue that can be used to promote greater opportunity and shared prosperity for all," said Senator Van Hollen.
This concept earns broad support from voters across the political spectrum. A recent poll of likely 2026 voters in battleground districts found that 58 percent supported a millionaires surtax. Additionally, a survey from early 2026 found that over seven in ten midterm voters are in favor of increasing taxes on the wealthiest individuals, including over half of those who voted for Donald Trump in 2024.
The Millionaires Surtax Act would:
* Raise substantial revenue for critical needs from the richest 1 percent. The nonpartisan Yale Budget Lab estimates the surtax would raise $1.5 trillion over 10 years, even though it would be paid by only the nation's richest 1 percent of taxpayers. The surtax does not raise taxes for 99 percent of taxpayers.
* Apply to all forms of income over $2 million, both from work and wealth. It applies to salaries, wages, and private business profits currently taxed at a 37 percent rate; and returns on all investments, such as long-term capital gains and dividends, currently taxed at 20 percent. This universal application is key to effectively taxing the rich, who derive most of their income from wealth rather than work.
* Help close the wealth gap. The Millionaires Surtax would begin to address the nation's widening wealth and income gaps that destabilize our economy and threaten our democracy.
Text of the bill can be viewed here.
This bill has been endorsed by: 198 Methods, Activist Evenings Indivisible, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Americans for Financial Reform, Americans For Tax Fairness, Caring Across Generations, Citizen Action/Illinois, Coalition on Human Needs, Community Change Action, Demos, Families Over Billionaires, Family Values @ Work Action, Freedom Writers Collaborative, Friends of the Earth Action, Groundwork Action, Income Movement, Institute for Policy Studies - Inequality Program, Institute for Policy Studies-Program on Inequality, May Day Strong, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, National Organization for Women, Oxfam, Oxfam America, Patriotic Millionaires, People's Action Institute, Popular Democracy, Popular Democracy in Action, Progressive Democrats of America, Public Citizen, Rights & Democracy NH, Rights & Democracy Vermont, Safer Country, Safety Net Project at the Urban Justice Center, State Revenue Alliance, Strong Economy For All Coalition, Take On Wall Street, Tax the Greedy Billionaires, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, United for a New Economy, United for Respect, and Voices for Progress.
"While millionaires and billionaires have more wealth than ever before, workers and families are being asked to go without health care, food, and more, all to maintain a tax system that favors the wealthy at everyone else's expense," said David Kass, Executive Director of Americans for Tax Fairness. "The only way we will be able to tackle the affordability crisis is to stop giving away trillions of dollars on tax cuts for the rich, and raise the revenue necessary to make key investments to bring down costs. We enthusiastically support Senator Van Hollen and Rep. Beyer for their leadership in introducing the Millionaires Surtax Act to adjust our tax code to make the wealthy pay their fair share."
"Having run the successful ballot initiative for the millionaire's surtax in Massachusetts, I can tell you this policy is a no brainer. The Millionaires Surtax is a clear, straightforward way to restore fairness to our tax system by making sure billionaires finally pay their fair share," said Kristen Crowell, Executive Director of Families Over Billionaires. "It's a proven approach that's already delivering real results in Massachusetts -raising billions that are going straight into schools, transportation, and the things that make life more affordable, with no wealth flight or negative impact on the economy. This bill is what fairness looks like, and it's long overdue."
"Congressman Don Beyer and Senator Chris Van Hollen are answering the call of the 77 percent of Americans urging policymakers to rein in concentrated wealth and shift economic and political power to working families," said Igor Volsky, Campaign Director for Tax the Greedy Billionaires. "The millionaire surtax is essential for chipping away at the extreme wealth that enables a small cohort of very wealthy individuals to manipulate our economy and democracy for their own benefit."
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Original text here: https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9051
Bennet, Crow Call on Congress to End Trump's War with Iran, Pass War Powers Resolution
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colorado, issued the following news release:
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Bennet, Crow Call on Congress to End Trump's War with Iran, Pass War Powers Resolution
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WASHINGTON -Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), members of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees, released the following statement urging both chambers of Congress to pass a War Powers Resolution to end President Donald Trump's reckless, costly war with Iran:
"As we've said from the start, Congress must do its constitutional duty to stop President Trump's dangerous and unauthorized
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colorado, issued the following news release:
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Bennet, Crow Call on Congress to End Trump's War with Iran, Pass War Powers Resolution
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WASHINGTON -Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), members of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees, released the following statement urging both chambers of Congress to pass a War Powers Resolution to end President Donald Trump's reckless, costly war with Iran:
"As we've said from the start, Congress must do its constitutional duty to stop President Trump's dangerous and unauthorizedwar.
"The American people overwhelmingly do not support this war, but the President has ignored them.
"Trump's recklessness has produced multiple strategic failures that carry real human costs. Thirteen American servicemembers and thousands of civilians are dead, over 300 servicemembers are injured, tens of billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent with no strategy, energy and gas prices are through the roof, Russia is cashing in from high oil prices, China is gaining ground while we shift focus away from Asia, and American alliances and credibility have been severely damaged around the world.
"Congress must rein in these disastrous actions before Trump and his enablers take America down an even more dangerous path. Republicans in both chambers must join us in passing upcoming War Powers Resolutions to end his war."
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Original text here: https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/bennet-crow-call-on-congress-to-end-trump-s-war-with-iran-pass-war-powers-resolution
Bennet, Crow Call on Congress to End Trump's War with Iran, Pass War Powers Resolution
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Sen. Michael F. Bennet, D-Colorado, issued the following news release:
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Bennet, Crow Call on Congress to End Trump's War with Iran, Pass War Powers Resolution
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Washington, D.C. -Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), members of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees, released the following statement urging both chambers of Congress to pass a War Powers Resolution to end President Donald Trump's reckless, costly war with Iran:
"As we've said from the start, Congress must do its constitutional duty to stop President Trump's dangerous
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Sen. Michael F. Bennet, D-Colorado, issued the following news release:
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Bennet, Crow Call on Congress to End Trump's War with Iran, Pass War Powers Resolution
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Washington, D.C. -Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), members of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees, released the following statement urging both chambers of Congress to pass a War Powers Resolution to end President Donald Trump's reckless, costly war with Iran:
"As we've said from the start, Congress must do its constitutional duty to stop President Trump's dangerousand unauthorized war.
"The American people overwhelmingly do not support this war, but the President has ignored them.
"Trump's recklessness has produced multiple strategic failures that carry real human costs. Thirteen American servicemembers and thousands of civilians are dead, over 300 servicemembers are injured, tens of billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent with no strategy, energy and gas prices are through the roof, Russia is cashing in from high oil prices, China is gaining ground while we shift focus away from Asia, and American alliances and credibility have been severely damaged around the world.
"Congress must rein in these disastrous actions before Trump and his enablers take America down an even more dangerous path. Republicans in both chambers must join us in passing upcoming War Powers Resolutions to end his war."
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Original text here: https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/04/15/bennet-crow-call-on-congress-to-end-trumps-war-with-iran-pass-war-powers-resolution/
Barrasso: GOP Tax Cuts Put More Money in People's Pockets
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release:
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Barrasso: GOP Tax Cuts Put More Money in People's Pockets
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"Republicans permanently lowered taxes. We did it for hardworking families and small businesses. In doing so, we made it easier for all Americans - whether working or retired - to keep more of what they earn. More than 53 million Americans have benefited from at least one of the new Republican tax cuts."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today highlighted the direct benefits Americans are receiving from the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release:
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Barrasso: GOP Tax Cuts Put More Money in People's Pockets
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"Republicans permanently lowered taxes. We did it for hardworking families and small businesses. In doing so, we made it easier for all Americans - whether working or retired - to keep more of what they earn. More than 53 million Americans have benefited from at least one of the new Republican tax cuts."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today highlighted the direct benefits Americans are receiving from theWorking Families Tax Cuts law.
Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso's remarks.
Sen. Barrasso's remarks:
"Today is April 15. That means it is Tax Day in America.
"I just heard the Minority Leader come to the Floor, and it sounds like he's almost despondent that this year the American people are able to get higher tax refunds than in the past. Because of what we've been able to do and pass, people are keeping more of their hard-earned money. For people that are filing their taxes for the first time under this new tax law - the Working Families Tax Cuts - they are seeing that they are keeping more. And this is what we promised - to put more money in people's pockets.
"I hear about it at home in Wyoming. In Dubois, I recently spoke with veterans and their families. In Sundance, Gillette, and Laramie, I visited with students. In Lusk and in Newcastle, I sat down with farmers, ranchers, and small business owners. Across the board, we talked about new opportunities that they're experiencing as a result of the law since Republicans cut taxes dramatically. How it appears in their daily lives and what it means to them and their families. These families in Wyoming aren't alone. Americans across the country are seeing smaller tax bills and larger tax refunds.
"The Internal Revenue Service released data today on the tax refunds. The average refund this year is over $3,400 per family. Now that's nearly $250 per month in people's pockets. That's much higher than it was last year. These are the refunds people are getting.
"And yet when I hear the Senator from New York, he referred to the amount of money people are getting back in refunds - I think he said the word were 'duds.' Maybe to him that's a dud. Maybe to him in New York City that's a dud. But for working families in Wyoming, $250 a month means a lot of money in their pockets. When you go to the gas station, the grocery store, when they plan what they want to do over the summer, all of those things. This is real money in the pockets of Wyoming families and American families. And the best we can hear from the Minority Leader is it's a 'dud.'
"That is not what I'm hearing around my home state. People understand money in their pockets matters to them and matters to their families, even if the Democrats don't believe that or the Minority Leader doesn't see it the way we see it. But in so many ways, he doesn't. Because we think it's important for people to keep more of their hard-earned money, and it's a direct result of the bill that we passed - the Working Families Tax Cuts law.
"Democrats tried to do the opposite last year. They wanted to pass a $4 trillion tax increase on the American people. That's where they were headed - and they voted for that. They voted for the largest tax increase in American history. And Senator Schumer today talked about a poll. And what did he say? He said that Americans think they're paying too much in taxes right now. Can you imagine what they would be saying if they were paying what they were paying now plus 4 trillion additional dollars in taxes? Why in the world would the Minority Leader come to the Floor and put together a group - lead the charge - to raise taxes by $4 trillion if he comes to the Floor and talks about the fact Americans think they are paying too much in taxes? I think we're paying too much in taxes. I want to cut more taxes. That's what the people of Wyoming want, that's what Americans want, and that's certainly what Republicans want. So, it's interesting to hear the Minority Leader talk about these refund checks that are putting more money in people's pockets and saying, 'Well, it's a dud.' It's not a 'dud' for the people of Wyoming. They're encouraged by what we're doing, and they want us to do even more. And we need to do more.
"Democrats voted to raise taxes on families, on workers, and on small businesses. Republicans permanently lowered taxes. We did it for hardworking families and small businesses. In doing so, we made it easier for all Americans - whether working or retired - to keep more money in their pockets. More than 53 million Americans have benefited from at least one of the new Republican tax cuts. That's a lot of people.
"If you are a senior and you receive a Social Security check, you are benefiting for the first time on our 'No Taxes on Social Security' pledge. This is the new $6,000 deduction for seniors. Already, 30 million seniors have benefited.
"If you are a mother or father with children, you are benefiting from the expanded Child Tax Credit - $2,200 per child per year. Millions of parents have enrolled their children in Trump Accounts. That's a big deal. For parents with newborn children, these savings accounts get $1,000 deposited into them straight from the U.S. Treasury. It happens immediately when your child is born. There are groups and individuals across the country who are matching those contributions into Trump Accounts. All of this in an effort to get these young people off on a good start.
"In Wyoming and across the country, more than 6 million Americans are benefiting from the 'No Tax on Tips' provision. These are waiters, barbers, bartenders, and tour guides. They have claimed an average deduction of over $7,100.
"More than 25 million Americans have benefited from No Tax on Overtime. These are firefighters, police officers, and nurses. They are linemen and coal miners in Wyoming. They have claimed an average deduction of over $3,000 on overtime. Hardworking Americans are being rewarded - rewarded for working more. The extra money they earn goes directly to their bank accounts - not to bureaucrats in Washington.
"The Working Families Tax Cuts law protects two million family-owned farms and ranches from the dreaded Death Tax. Instead of being forced to sell their land or small business to pay taxes to Washington, families in Wyoming are now able to plan for their future for generations to come.
"The Working Families Tax Cuts law also allows businesses to immediately deduct up to $2.5 million in new equipment. That means more jobs. It means more growth. More people in the workplace. It means more opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and Main Street America.
"Because of lower taxes and more opportunities, workers across our nation are seeing bigger paychecks. Real wages are up this year. This is significant progress.
"The only people seem to be upset about lower taxes, bigger refunds, and higher wages are the elected Democrats in this body who voted for a $4 trillion tax increase. Democrats want to raise taxes on the American people. Democrats believe that the money you earned isn't yours. Democrats believe that the money you earn belongs to the government. That's why the Democrat Party is known as the party of high taxes. It's not just here in the United States Senate. It is in the states and big cities run by Democrats across the country.
"This year, Democrat Abigail Spanberger was sworn in as Governor of Virginia. Democrats now control the House, the Senate, and the Governor's Mansion. Since they've taken over in January, Democrats have introduced 50 new tax increases. Democrats want to raise taxes on barber shops, nail salons, dry cleaners, and gyms. Democrats are proposing new taxes on firearms and ammunition in Virginia. That's what happened now that Virginia elected Democrats.
"Democrats like to use the word 'affordability.' Apparently, Democrats' idea of affordability is higher taxes paid by working families so they can spend more money on liberal social programs.
"Republicans know the best way to make America affordable is with good jobs, growing paychecks, and lower taxes. That is exactly what we are seeing today as people file their taxes and see their larger refunds this year.
"The American people know the money belongs to them, not Washington. They've earned it. They should keep more of it. Republicans trust people at home to know best what they want to do with that money. How to spend it, save it, and invest it.
"This Tax Day, the American people have more money in their pockets because Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts law. Republicans will continue to fight for an America where families keep more of what they've earned and make the decisions about how to spend it."
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Original text here: https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-gop-tax-cuts-put-more-money-in-peoples-pockets/
Arrington Hosts Russ Vought at Hearing on President Trump's FY2027 Budget
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Arrington Hosts Russ Vought at Hearing on President Trump's FY2027 Budget
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Washington, D.C. - Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) hosted Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought at a hearing on President Trump's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request.
Click HERE to watch Chairman Arrington's opening statement.
Remarks as delivered:
"Russ, I don't know of a president in my lifetime that has inherited such a complete and utter mess as President Trump did in January
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Arrington Hosts Russ Vought at Hearing on President Trump's FY2027 Budget
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Washington, D.C. - Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) hosted Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought at a hearing on President Trump's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request.
Click HERE to watch Chairman Arrington's opening statement.
Remarks as delivered:
"Russ, I don't know of a president in my lifetime that has inherited such a complete and utter mess as President Trump did in Januaryof last year.
"One self-inflicted disaster after another for four years of the Biden-Harris administration, utter lawlessness, incompetence.
"A border that was wide open, millions of people, criminals, gangs, drugs that killed a plane load of Americans effectively every week, more people dying of the drugs coming across the border than the people dying from the Vietnam War.
"Again, all because of the dereliction of duty to uphold the laws of this land and a failure to do the first and most important job, which is to provide for the common defense, and the American people suffered.
"Our resources were drained, our safety was jeopardized, and there was no rule of law, the cornerstone of any civil society...
"And the result was we had a much more unstable world. I think we were made a mockery by our enemies.
"Finally, we saw unbridled spending, about seven to eight trillion in record deficit spending. You add in the additional cost of interest, that went skyrocketing. It's about $12 trillion overall. We had a weaker economy, recessionary economy, we had a cost-of-living crisis that we haven't experienced as a nation in almost a half a century...
"The list goes on. We taxed and regulated our job creators. And again, the most regressive tax in my lifetime was the 20 plus percent increase in prices for working families.
"Trump comes in. You and the team, in one year, secure the border, stop the flow, deport criminal aliens, broker a peace deal in the Middle East, provide the greatest investment in national defense in the history of our country, pulled down the drain and the drive of our deficit and looming debt crisis in mandatory spending by rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse to the tune of about one and a half trillion dollars, constrained spending on the discretionary side, cut taxes, cut spending at historic levels, and opened up domestic energy production.
"We had lower interest, lower inflation. A growing economy. Wages are up. People putting more money in their pockets before my Democrat colleagues shut the government down over a COVID-era, fraud-ridden program to expand a failed underlying policy of Obamacare.
"That was the first shutdown before the shutdown that we're in today. We would have been at two and a half percent plus growth.
"We were made a mockery, derided for putting that assumption in our Big Beautiful Bill, but that's exactly what CBO said, where we'd be over the 10-year budget window. That's a trillion and a half dollars to reduce the deficit.
"So, there is a reason that CBO, in their recent report six months into this fiscal year, shows a ten percent reduction in our deficit. It's been decades since we've seen a ten percent reduction in our deficit because of growth.
"That's because of rooting out waste and bending the curve on mandatory spending and controlling cost and cutting wasteful and unnecessary spending on the discretionary budget, and because President Trump decided to lead on the world stage with respect to trade and give our workers, manufacturers, and farmers a head-to-head fighting chance at trade deals, and the revenue helped shore up our balance sheet.
"So, I'm pleased with what the President has done. I'm proud he's our Commander in Chief...
"Russ, thanks for being here. That's the context. I think this budget of yours shows, directionally, that we're going to continue to do that and double down on it. Right? We're reducing wasteful spending, investing in our defense, and continuing to promote the growth that we so desperately need, and all boats will rise on that prosperity."
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Original text here: https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4451
Anti-Corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force Launched by Reps. Morelle, Mullin, Ramirez & Williams
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Rep. Kevin Mullin, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Anti-Corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force Launched by Reps. Morelle, Mullin, Ramirez & Williams
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Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Kevin Mullin joined Rep. Joe Morelle, the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, and Reps. Delia C. Ramirez and Nikema Williams to launch the Anti-Corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force.
The Task Force will channel Americans' demand that Congress and the Federal government work for the people and take a hard look at the root causes of corruption
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WASHINGTON, April 15 -- Rep. Kevin Mullin, D-California, issued the following news release:
* * *
Anti-Corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force Launched by Reps. Morelle, Mullin, Ramirez & Williams
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Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Kevin Mullin joined Rep. Joe Morelle, the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, and Reps. Delia C. Ramirez and Nikema Williams to launch the Anti-Corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force.
The Task Force will channel Americans' demand that Congress and the Federal government work for the people and take a hard look at the root causes of corruptionto create a stronger, more unified democracy that works for every American.
Specifically, the Task Force will work to:
* Root out corruption within the Executive Branch, enforce checks and balances, and restore our Federal agencies;
* Critically examine Congress itself and ways to reform the Legislative Branch ;
* End self-dealing in the Judicial Branch ; and
* Improve our elections and electoral system to increase access to the ballot, reinforce our election security, and restore faith and trust in our democratic process.
The Anti-Corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force is led by Chair Morelle and Co-Chairs Kevin Mullin, Delia C. Ramirez, and Nikema Williams, and includes 29 other members.
"I do not say this lightly, but we are at a DEFCON 1 moment for our democracy as we face ongoing threats to voting rights from the most corrupt Presidential administrations in America's 250-year history. Americans are fed up with Republicans ignoring the needs of everyday families by taking away healthcare and food assistance from those in need, while enabling Trump to exploit his power for personal financial gain. As co-chair of the Anti-corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force, I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen our democracy, restore public trust in our institutions, and make sure America's leaders are following the law," said Co-Chair Kevin Mullin.
"At every turn, the Trump Administration is destroying our institutions and shattering norms, and Donald Trump is personally profiting off the Presidency while imposing costs on the American people. This corruption isn't free-you're the ones paying for it. This cannot, and will not, stand," said Chair Joe Morelle. "This Task Force will bring Members together to take a hard look at the root causes of corruption and creating a stronger, more unified democracy that works for every American."
"Americans are clear that we are well past democratic backsliding. We are facing multi-front struggles that threaten the very foundations of our democracies. From big, unaccountable money in politics buying representation, to authoritarians' attempts to erode free and fair elections, to white nationalists' efforts to disenfranchise Black, Brown, and low-income voters, and more, our democracy is under attack," said Co-Chair Delia C. Ramirez. "Now, more than ever, we must legislate, litigate, and agitate for our democracy. That's why I am proud to join the launch of the Anti-Corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force."
"We're facing the most corrupt administration in American history. This moment calls for a unified front, transparent action, and coordinated fights in Congress, the courts, and our own communities. The Anti-Corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force is prepared to do just that. This president is actively meddling in our elections and attempting to impose a Jim Crow 2.0 era through intimidation and suppression. We will fight to hold Trump accountable for his corrupt schemes, expose them to the American people, and present the alternative they deserve," said Co-Chair Nikema Williams.
The Task Force members were joined by Virginia Kase Solomon, President and CEO of Common Cause, and Robert Weissman, Co-President of Public Citizen for today's press conferenceoutside the Capitol in D.C.
"For too long, the wealthy and powerful have treated our government like their own personal checkbook," said Virginia Kase Solomon. "When those in power rig the system to make a profit, it makes groceries, housing, and healthcare more expensive for the rest of us. Our one million members are demanding hard guardrails that will stop the self-dealing and create a democracy where the size of your voice isn't determined by the size of your bank account."
"Corruption in Washington, DC affects every person in America. It lets fraud flourish, it enables giant companies to merge illegally, it undermines our foreign policy and drives us to war, it lets corporations pollute our air and water. The House Anti-Corruption and Democracy Task Force is poised to drive forward an agenda to unrig Washington, so the federal government works for everyday Americans, not cronies, corporations and the well-connected," said Robert Weissman.
Anti-Corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force members include: Representatives Becca Balint, Greg Casar, Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maxwell Frost, Robert Garcia, Dan Goldman, Jahana Hayes, Steven Horsford, Pramila Jayapal, Julie Johnson, Greg Landsman, Summer Lee, Mike Levin, Seth Magaziner, Sarah McBride, Jennifer McClellan, Greg Meeks, Grace Meng, Dave Min, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Pocan, Jamie Raskin, Mary Gay Scanlon, Brad Schneider, Terri Sewell, Suhas Subramanyam, Jill Tokuda, and Norma Torres.
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Original text here: https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/04/15/anti-corruption-and-democracy-reform-task-force-launched-by-reps-morelle-mullin-ramirez-williams/
