Politics, Parties, Candidates
Here's a look at documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties
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JoAnna Mendoza Joins MS NOW to Discuss Lowering Costs, Holding Juan Ciscomani Accountable
WASHINGTON, April 6 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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JoAnna Mendoza Joins MS NOW to Discuss Lowering Costs, Holding Juan Ciscomani Accountable
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"We're tired of the lies, we're tired of the broken promises, and we're tired of the betrayal"
In case you missed it, JoAnna Mendoza - Democratic candidate for Arizona's Sixth Congressional District, retired Marine Corps Drill Instructor, and single mom - joined MS NOW over the weekend to discuss her campaign to lower costs for families, protect the border, and bring servant leadership back
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 6 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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JoAnna Mendoza Joins MS NOW to Discuss Lowering Costs, Holding Juan Ciscomani Accountable
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"We're tired of the lies, we're tired of the broken promises, and we're tired of the betrayal"
In case you missed it, JoAnna Mendoza - Democratic candidate for Arizona's Sixth Congressional District, retired Marine Corps Drill Instructor, and single mom - joined MS NOW over the weekend to discuss her campaign to lower costs for families, protect the border, and bring servant leadership backto Washington.
Mendoza is running against vulnerable Republican Juan Ciscomani - a poster child for broken promises. Last year, Ciscomani went back on his word and cast a key vote that puts local hospitals at risk. In January, Ciscomani backtracked on protecting the ACA and voted against subsidies that help thousands of Arizonans afford health care.
Watch Mendoza on MS NOW...
Mendoza on Politics Nation, 4/5/26
Mendoza on campaign momentum, including raising $2.3 million in Q1 2026 : "What we're seeing right now is a continuation of how pissed off people are. We're tired of the lies, we're tired of the broken promises, and we're tired of the betrayal. We see people moving away from politicians and moving towards servant leaders, leaders who understand the lived struggle and are going to fight to address these issues that we're seeing in our district."
Mendoza on why she's running : "I served my country for 20 years, and I took that oath to defend and protect the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And Reverend, what we see right now is America is in a lot of trouble."
Mendoza on Ciscomani voting with GOP leaders 100% of the time : "This is exactly what I'm talking about, lies, broken promises and betrayal... [Ciscomani] said that he's going to protect safety net programs like the ones that I grew up on: food stamps, Medicaid, WIC - and then he turns around and he votes 100% of the time with the Trump Administration."
Mendoza on Ciscomani refusing to hold town halls : "[Ciscomani] refuses to have town halls. He refuses to meet with constituents... the fact that you have somebody right now who is just reckless and doesn't care about his constituency, doesn't care about the veterans, doesn't care about our military service members, it's absolutely egregious, and it's just another point on why I'm running."
Mendoza on affordability : "You go to the grocery store, grocery prices are up. You go to the pump, gas prices are up. You cannot escape the consequences of this Administration's policies and an incumbent, Juan Ciscomani, who refuses to push back on harmful policies for not just folks in the district, but across the nation."
Mendoza on The Last Word, 4/3/26
Mendoza on her background : "I'm just a small town, rural farming community type of gal, proud daughter of farm workers. I grew up working alongside them in the fields for many, many years... I joined the Marine Corps because there was no economic opportunity in our small rural community, and that still is the case today. I served for 20 years, and I did two tours to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. And after 20 years, I retired, came back home, and went to work helping the communities in which I grew up in."
Mendoza on Administration's actions in Iran : "What we're seeing right now under this Administration is complete recklessness. There's a special trust and confidence that commanders and leaders have to ensure that they're not placing our service members in harm's way. And as a drill instructor who trained and made Marines for many years, I take this very personally, because right now there is no strategy, there's no plan... This is one of the reasons why I'm running, because we need servant leadership. We need leadership who's going to be responsible and who's not going to necessarily put our troops in harm's way."
Mendoza on affordability, rising gas prices : "We're hearing about the rising cost of groceries, and now with the war in Iran, not only is it impacting the economy globally, but it's hitting us hard right here at home in AZ-06, where we do have a lot of rural communities. Folks already get penalized for living in those communities because they often have to drive into town to get groceries, go to doctor's appointments, and they just can't afford the gas. We're all feeling the squeeze."
***
Original text here: https://dccc.org/joanna-mendoza-joins-ms-now-to-discuss-lowering-costs-holding-juan-ciscomani-accountable/
Bucks County Drivers Are Reeling From Skyrocketing Gas Prices. Brian Fitzpatrick's Response? No Comment.
WASHINGTON, April 6 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Bucks County Drivers Are Reeling From Skyrocketing Gas Prices. Brian Fitzpatrick's Response? No Comment.
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"I am really P.O.-ed."
"I can't keep up with all this."
"Gas is really getting above my means."
"Lunch is going to be peanut butter and jelly from here on out."
" The average American won't survive this."
That's just a sampling of what Bucks County residents are telling The Philadelphia Inquirer about skyrocketing gas prices at the pump.
What does their Congressman
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 6 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Bucks County Drivers Are Reeling From Skyrocketing Gas Prices. Brian Fitzpatrick's Response? No Comment.
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"I am really P.O.-ed."
"I can't keep up with all this."
"Gas is really getting above my means."
"Lunch is going to be peanut butter and jelly from here on out."
" The average American won't survive this."
That's just a sampling of what Bucks County residents are telling The Philadelphia Inquirer about skyrocketing gas prices at the pump.
What does their CongressmanBrian Fitzpatrick - who has greenlighted Donald Trump's price-spiking war with Iran - have to say in response? The Inquirer reports: "Fitzpatrick's campaign did not respond to a request for comment."
DCCC Spokesperson Eli Cousin:
"Brian Fitzpatrick gave Donald Trump a blank check to spend money overseas on a reckless war with Iran, and now hardworking people all across Bucks County are facing skyrocketing prices at the pump. Fitzpatrick won't even address his own constituents because even he knows his record is indefensible."
***
Original text here: https://dccc.org/bucks-county-drivers-are-reeling-from-skyrocketing-gas-prices-brian-fitzpatricks-response-no-comment/
Semafor Uncovers How Trump Ally, Sinclair Owner, David Smith Is Personally "Ideologically Reshaping" The Baltimore Sun
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, April 6 -- The Maryland Democratic Party issued the following news:
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Semafor Uncovers How Trump Ally, Sinclair Owner, David Smith Is Personally "Ideologically Reshaping" The Baltimore Sun
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Sinclair Hired Former Republican Party Officials To Masquerade As Reporters to Advance David Smith's Ideological Goals
Last night, Semafor dropped a bombshell article showing how Trump donor and ally, billionaire David Smith is personally involved in "ideologically reshaping" the Baltimore Sun. In the past several months, the Sun has hired an investigative team that seems primarily
... Show Full Article
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, April 6 -- The Maryland Democratic Party issued the following news:
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Semafor Uncovers How Trump Ally, Sinclair Owner, David Smith Is Personally "Ideologically Reshaping" The Baltimore Sun
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Sinclair Hired Former Republican Party Officials To Masquerade As Reporters to Advance David Smith's Ideological Goals
Last night, Semafor dropped a bombshell article showing how Trump donor and ally, billionaire David Smith is personally involved in "ideologically reshaping" the Baltimore Sun. In the past several months, the Sun has hired an investigative team that seems primarilyfocused on targeting Maryland Democrats-the team includes a "reporter" who is a former Vice Chair of the Maryland Republican Party.
"I don't know how Fox 45 and the Baltimore Sun can claim their reporters are independent and their news has no bias when they're hiring former Maryland Republican Party officials, and reporters on their team are actively hosting events and fundraisers for the Maryland Republican Party," said Maryland Democratic Party Chairman Steuart Pittman. "Marylanders deserve reporting that is fair and accurate, but are receiving neither from the right wing David Smith propaganda machine. Smith failed in his effort to dupe the voters of Baltimore City in 2024, and will fail statewide in 2026. Marylanders are smarter than he thinks."
In their article, Semafor notes that "Smith's purchase of the Sun is part of a larger wave of powerful individuals scooping up iconic American news brands and reshaping them ideologically." They also write that "Smith's efforts at the Sun go further" than what others have done after purchasing news stations or newspapers.
Max Tani also points out that when reading through the comment requests and inquiries sent by the Spotlight on Maryland team to Governor Moore's office that "it was hard not to see that the probe went beyond the normal course of asking questions to reveal new information. The messages were laden with contempt, and at points directly threatened Moore with military disciplinary action."
When one of the Baltimore Sun's own reporters criticized the organization for their actions and publishing full stories in the paper from FOX 45 reporters David Smith responded by firing them.
***
Original text here: https://mddems.org/news/semafor-uncovers-how-trump-ally-sinclair-owner-david-smith-is-personally-ideologically-reshaping-the-baltimore-sun/
Bill Brough Opposed Paid Family Leave Protections
WASHINGTON, April 6 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Bill Brough Opposed Paid Family Leave Protections
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Disgraced Assemblymember and extreme MAGA cheerleader Bill Brough's political comeback attempt is already clashing with a record that's deeply out of step with Orange County families.
In 2020, Brough voted AGAINST expanding protections for paid family leave, siding with wealthy interests over working parents and caregivers who rely on that time to care for their children and sick loved ones without losing a paycheck. Brough proved
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 6 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Bill Brough Opposed Paid Family Leave Protections
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Disgraced Assemblymember and extreme MAGA cheerleader Bill Brough's political comeback attempt is already clashing with a record that's deeply out of step with Orange County families.
In 2020, Brough voted AGAINST expanding protections for paid family leave, siding with wealthy interests over working parents and caregivers who rely on that time to care for their children and sick loved ones without losing a paycheck. Brough provedhe would oppose the most basic safeguards for families already stretched thin by rising costs.
Orange County families can't afford another Donald Trump foot soldier making life harder for working families.
DCCC Spokesperson Anna Elsasser :
"Bill Brough chose to turn his back on working families. By voting NO on paid family leave, Brough told parents and caregivers they're on their own when it matters most. Orange County families deserve a leader who will fight for lower costs and support for families, not pursue an extreme MAGA agenda that makes their lives harder."
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/bill-brough-opposed-paid-family-leave-protections/
Ohioans Call Out Jon Husted's Out of Touch Attacks on Hardworking Families
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 6 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
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Ohioans Call Out Jon Husted's Out of Touch Attacks on Hardworking Families
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Husted : "People living in poverty are just not very, they're not very experienced at navigating the real world"
TOLEDO, OHIO - Today, Ohioans in Toledo gathered for the second stop of Husted's Real World Tour, calling out Jon Husted for his out of touch attacks on hardworking families.
Ohioans are already struggling with high grocery and utility prices, and the skyrocketing cost of gas is forcing families to cut back even more.
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 6 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
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Ohioans Call Out Jon Husted's Out of Touch Attacks on Hardworking Families
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Husted : "People living in poverty are just not very, they're not very experienced at navigating the real world"
TOLEDO, OHIO - Today, Ohioans in Toledo gathered for the second stop of Husted's Real World Tour, calling out Jon Husted for his out of touch attacks on hardworking families.
Ohioans are already struggling with high grocery and utility prices, and the skyrocketing cost of gas is forcing families to cut back even more.Instead of working to lower costs, Jon Husted has insulted struggling Ohioans as " not very experienced at navigating the real world " and dismissed the mounting affordability crisis by telling Ohioans to fix their "work ethic " and to simply " earn more " money to make ends meet.
"Folks who live in the real world are having a hard time paying for gas, paying for groceries, paying for health care, paying for life. That's the reality of what's happening in America. Our constituents live in reality, they are not having a hard time navigating reality, they are living in reality, unlike Senator Husted's donors who hang out on Epstein Island," said Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz. "Unlike Senator Husted who is at the center of the largest corruption scandal in the history of the state of Ohio, a $61 million FirstEnergy corruption scandal. That's his reality."
"I challenge Senator Husted to come to Toledo, come walk with me and let's go see the real world. I have never met Senator Husted. I represent District 4, one of the most poverty stricken districts in this great city. Come visit us, and come see the real world," said Toledo City Council President Vanice Williams. "It bothers me when I heard his statements because I am one that navigated through poverty. I own a childcare center where I have parents every day navigating through poverty. I was a high school principal where I saw families navigating through poverty. The real world didn't come from Upper Arlington, the real world comes from Toledo, Ohio, who lived in Section 8, she's standing in front of you, I'm the real world."
"The Affordable Care Act tax credits have been a lifeline for me. They allowed me to take a job without health insurance, knowing I could afford coverage on the marketplace. Now, because Jon Husted refused to act, my health care costs have doubled. If there is anyone that doesn't understand the real world, it's Jon Husted," said Tracci Johnson, a Toledo native.
***
Original text here: https://ohiodems.org/ohioans-call-out-jon-husteds-out-of-touch-attacks-on-hardworking-families/
Republicans' Broken Promises Made Everything More Expensive for American Families
WASHINGTON, April 6 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Republicans' Broken Promises Made Everything More Expensive for American Families
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"I don't think we're going back to the pre-war prices for the foreseeable future"
After running on the promise of lowering costs and no more wars, Trump and Republicans have repeatedly broken their promises. Over the past month, the price of oil has spiked and the ripple effects have further devastated farmers, upended supply chains, and made housing even more unaffordable. New reporting shows that
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 6 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Republicans' Broken Promises Made Everything More Expensive for American Families
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"I don't think we're going back to the pre-war prices for the foreseeable future"
After running on the promise of lowering costs and no more wars, Trump and Republicans have repeatedly broken their promises. Over the past month, the price of oil has spiked and the ripple effects have further devastated farmers, upended supply chains, and made housing even more unaffordable. New reporting shows thatAmerica could take years to fully recover from this Republican economic disaster.
For months, Americans have been struggling to make ends meet and are increasingly concerned about the cost of living, and they're blaming Republicans.
DCCC Spokesperson Bridget Gonzalez :
"Americans know who is responsible for higher prices, unaffordable housing, and health care cuts. Families are being hit from every angle, and they're ready to vote out Republicans."
***
Original text here: https://dccc.org/republicans-broken-promises-made-everything-more-expensive-for-american-families/
ICYMI: Ohioans Struggle With Skyrocketing Gas Prices Thanks to Jon Husted
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 6 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
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ICYMI: Ohioans Struggle With Skyrocketing Gas Prices Thanks to Jon Husted
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Husted's price hikes to only get worse, with Amazon announcing 3.5% fuel surcharge fee
COLUMBUS, OHIO -As Jon Husted continues to recklessly back the war in Iran, gas and diesel prices are soaring for Ohio families. Ohioans are already struggling with high food and grocery prices, and the surging energy costs are forcing families to cut back even more.
With the war raging on, Husted's price hikes will only get worse. Amazon has
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 6 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
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ICYMI: Ohioans Struggle With Skyrocketing Gas Prices Thanks to Jon Husted
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Husted's price hikes to only get worse, with Amazon announcing 3.5% fuel surcharge fee
COLUMBUS, OHIO -As Jon Husted continues to recklessly back the war in Iran, gas and diesel prices are soaring for Ohio families. Ohioans are already struggling with high food and grocery prices, and the surging energy costs are forcing families to cut back even more.
With the war raging on, Husted's price hikes will only get worse. Amazon hasalready announced a 3.5% fuel surcharge due to surging energy costs, while FedEx, JetBlue, United, and UPS have also raised prices. Even the Postal Service has announced its first-ever fuel surcharge of 8%.
Jon Husted has voted three times to support the war, even as the Pentagon reportedly seeks more than $200 billion to continue the conflict. Instead of working to lower costs at home, Husted has insulted struggling Ohioans as " not very experienced at navigating the real world " and dismissed the mounting affordability crisis by telling Ohioans to fix their "work ethic " and to simply " earn more " money to make ends meet.
See for yourself:
Cleveland 19 News: Ohio gas prices rising as drivers cut back, get creative to stretch dollars
* With gas prices topping four dollars a gallon around the country, Ohio drivers are already cutting back and getting creative to stretch every dollar at the pump.
* Kelly Thompkins said the rising costs are forcing difficult decisions.
* "We have to debate are we going to have a steak dinner tonight, or are we going to fill up and go to work?" Thompkins said. "And you have to go to work, you know, but these prices are getting ridiculous, because 10 or 20 dollars won't even get you half a tank."
* The average price in Ohio is $3.79 a gallon. Diesel drivers are paying even more, with the nationwide diesel average at $5.45.
* Derek Manley and his wife now share their most fuel-efficient car to keep costs down.
* "If she is off I'll take her car, we try to keep it down to one car, so we're working it out but it's still hard with the prices," Manley said.
News 5 Cleveland: 'It's absurd.' Uber and Lyft drivers get creative amidst surging gas prices
* If you feel like you're paying more at the pump lately, you're not alone. According to AAA, gas prices across Ohio are sitting at nearly $4 per gallon for regular unleaded.
* The prices are putting pressure on drivers across Northeast Ohio-especially those who rely on their cars to make a living.
* To stretch their dollars and save on gas, some drivers told News 5's Mike Holden they are turning their cars off completely while waiting in the queue for rides.
* "I wanna have my heat on in here, but I can't! You can't waste the gas, so I'm layered up," John, a local ride-share driver, said.
* Regardless, he says the state of the economy and rising prices are not helping matters.
* "It's pretty much killing us. You fill up two or three times a day and it just keeps adding up," John said.
NBC 4 Columbus: How Columbus is dealing with high gas prices
* As gas prices near $4 per gallon in central Ohio, everyone is figuring out how to fit the extra cost into their budgets, including the City of Columbus.
* The city said the fuel budget for fiscal year 2026 is $5.5 million, with the majority of the budget -$4 million -allocated to the division of police for fuel.
* "I mean, we're going to have to do everything we can to try to control and contain costs in other places," Ginther said. "Work smarter, work harder, be more efficient, because fuel prices don't look like they're coming down anytime soon."
News 5 Cleveland: Ohio farmers face steeper prices as diesel and fertilizers soar as a result of the military conflict in Iran
* Farmers around Ohio are half a world away from the military conflict in Iran, but what's playing out there is having a direct impact on their ability to grow crops here, as they feel the same pain at the pump, if not worse than what drivers are seeing.
* During the spring planting season, Sayre said he'll burn through about 10,000 gallons. "That 10,000 gallons is an extra $20,000 for us to plant our crops this spring, and we're a small farm."
* Diesel is just part of the impact. The other is fertilizer; a lot of the world's key fertilizer ingredients that end up in Ohio fields originate in the Persian Gulf and flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
* "Fertilizer follows fuel, and it also follows world politics, so when we upset other nations, they get upset, the prices go up," Sayre said, with some nitrogen products up 40-70%. "So to plant our corn, it's twice as expensive now to plant corn."
* Portage County Dairy Farmer Jared Phillip feels it as well, "Between fertilizer and fuel, it's going to put people in the negative real quick."
* "We still have the same input costs, and we still have the same feed costs to feed those cattle. Whether the price goes up or down, it is going to be a huge impact with the price of fuel and fertilizer this year."
* It comes at a time when farmers are struggling to at most to break even on the crops they plant.
* "Nationally, we have 15,000 fewer farms than we did in 2024. When it comes to farm bankruptcies, they increased 46 percent in 2025," Bales said. "This is just going to be another added difficulty."
Fox 8 Cleveland: Could gas price increase impact summer travel? AAA weighs in
* Gas prices are soaring. If the price hike persists, it could mean more expensive airline tickets or higher costs for a planned road trip.
* The price at the pump has jumped roughly $1 in the last month, now sitting at or above $4 per gallon on average nationwide -a byproduct of the war in Iran.
* The price of jet fuel is also skyrocketing. Jet fuel has nearly doubled, from $2.50 per gallon to $4.62, according to the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index.
* That could mean more expensive airfare and potentially fewer flights. Airlines like United have already publicly discussed cutting flights during nonpeak times.
***
Original text here: https://ohiodems.org/icymi-ohioans-struggle-with-skyrocketing-gas-prices-thanks-to-jon-husted/
Floridians Are Cutting Back on Basic Needs to Afford Health Care Thanks to Mills, Luna, Lee, and Salazar
WASHINGTON, April 6 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Floridians Are Cutting Back on Basic Needs to Afford Health Care Thanks to Mills, Luna, Lee, and Salazar
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Florida working families forced to choose between groceries and housing or life-saving health care
Cory Mills, Anna Paulina Luna, Laurel Lee, and Maria Elvira Salazar failed to extend the ACA tax credits - and now, more than 4.5 million Floridians are "[feeling] the sticker shock" as health care costs nearly double on average, forcing some families to choose between "meals,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 6 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Floridians Are Cutting Back on Basic Needs to Afford Health Care Thanks to Mills, Luna, Lee, and Salazar
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Florida working families forced to choose between groceries and housing or life-saving health care
Cory Mills, Anna Paulina Luna, Laurel Lee, and Maria Elvira Salazar failed to extend the ACA tax credits - and now, more than 4.5 million Floridians are "[feeling] the sticker shock" as health care costs nearly double on average, forcing some families to choose between "meals,mortgage or medicine," according to new reporting from the Miami Herald.
One woman with a rare form of cancer is "[reducing] the amount of times" she gets essential bloodwork because the cost is simply too high, and turning to food banks for help.
Still another Florida dad is shelling out $50,000 a year for worse coverage thanks to Mills, Luna, Lee, and Salazar's reckless agenda. "You gotta be kidding me," he said.
DCCC Spokesperson Madison Andrus :
"Cory Mills, Anna Paulina Luna, Laurel Lee, and Maria Elvira Salazar's betrayal of Florida's working families is unconscionable. Working families are being forced to choose between putting food on the table or a roof over their heads and getting the health care that their lives depend on. Mills, Luna, Lee, and Salazar are forcing millions of Americans to make an impossible choice - and it will come at the cost of real lives."
Read the devastating stories for yourself:
Miami Herald: Meals, mortgage or medicine? Floridians on Obamacare are facing tough choices
Cancer Treatment or Groceries
* The new year brought Kellie Brvenik a choice. She could pay to keep her cancer at bay, or cover life's other necessities, like food and her mortgage.
* [Kellie] Brvenik is one of 4.5 million Floridians who purchase health insurance through the ACA's Federal Marketplace. And, like many of them, she's now paying sharply more for the same coverage. [...]
* Blood tests, hormone blockers -she needs both to monitor and contain the spread of her cancer, and she's now paying more for each. Those aren't covered and will run her hundreds of dollars a month.
* "I've had to reduce the amount of times I can have [some of those tests]," she said. She's also had to turn to food banks for help.
$50,000 a Year in Premiums
* Michael Pancier felt the sticker shock immediately.
* Pancier, 60, is an attorney in Miami-Dade. He runs his own firm and for years has purchased health insurance through the Federal Marketplace for himself, his wife -who's also self-employed -and their 21-year-old daughter.
* In 2025, Pancier's premium was $2,167 a month, roughly what it had been for years. This year, it nearly doubled. He now pays a monthly $4,201 for the same coverage -actually, worse coverage, since one of his doctors no longer accepts his plan.
* "You gotta be kidding," he recalled thinking when he saw his premium estimate. "You're spending $50,000" a year.
Florida is particularly exposed.
* For many, the math was already hard before the credits expired. KFF projected that for a 60-year-old couple earning $85,000 in South Florida, the elimination of the enhanced premium tax credits would spike their premiums by nearly 350%. For a 40-year-old making $32,000 a year, that figure was over 200%.
* And nowhere are the effects of higher ACA premiums felt more than in Miami-Dade, which has the largest Obamacare enrollment population -more than 1 million last year, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services -of any county in the nation.
* Those inflated bills are eating into families' budgets at a time when gas, grocery and housing costs are high and threatening to climb further, limiting many Americans' ability to save money and build wealth.
* The state is one of 10 that has never expanded Medicaid eligibility, leaving a coverage gap for residents who earn too much to qualify for government insurance but too little to comfortably afford higher premiums, said Aidil Oscariz, a policy consultant at Catalyst Miami.
* And a disproportionate share of Florida workers are employed in seasonal or part-time industries, like tourism, meaning fewer receive insurance through their employers. Only 40% of Floridians are covered by employer-based health insurance, compared to 49% nationally, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
* The state also skews older. The ACA allows insurers to charge adults ages 50 to 64 up to three times more than younger enrollees for the same plan, meaning they were already paying more before the subsidies disappeared.
* "They're facing a double whammy," said McGough, the policy analyst.
* Since the start of the year, almost 200,000 Floridians dropped their ACA Marketplace plans -one of the sharpest declines in the country -according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
* But the ripple effects could reach beyond health care. Workers who rely on Marketplace plans may start choosing jobs based primarily on benefits rather than fit, McGough said. Small businesses, whose employees disproportionately rely on the Marketplace, could struggle to recruit and retain workers.
***
Original text here: https://dccc.org/floridians-are-cutting-back-on-basic-needs-to-afford-health-care-thanks-to-mills-luna-lee-and-salazar/
N.C. Democratic Party: From MS Now - DC Insider Michael Whatley "Dismissing Affordability Concerns" & Claiming "Costs Are Coming Down"
RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 4 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news on April 2, 2026:
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FROM MS NOW: DC Insider Michael Whatley "Dismissing Affordability Concerns" & Claiming "Costs Are Coming Down"
New reporting from MS NOW is highlighting how DC insider and Big Oil Lobbyist Michael Whatley has repeatedly "dismiss[ed] affordability concerns," claiming that inflation is down and that "costs are coming down."
Whatley's tone deaf comments couldn't be more out of touch with North Carolina families.
Read More:
MS NOW: 'Take one less trip to Starbucks': GOP Senate
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 4 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news on April 2, 2026:
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FROM MS NOW: DC Insider Michael Whatley "Dismissing Affordability Concerns" & Claiming "Costs Are Coming Down"
New reporting from MS NOW is highlighting how DC insider and Big Oil Lobbyist Michael Whatley has repeatedly "dismiss[ed] affordability concerns," claiming that inflation is down and that "costs are coming down."
Whatley's tone deaf comments couldn't be more out of touch with North Carolina families.
Read More:
MS NOW: 'Take one less trip to Starbucks': GOP Senatecandidates keep dismissing affordability concerns (https://www.ms.now/news/starbucks-gop-senate-candidates-dismissing-affordability-concerns)
Kevin Frey | April 1, 2026
* Across key Senate races this cycle, several Republican Senate candidates have downplayed rising costs...
* "We feel pretty good about the economy," [Whatley] told Fox News in February.
* In January, on Hugh Hewitt's radio show, Whatley said Americans had "seen inflation prices come down so dramatically since President Trump took over." And in February, appearing on the same show, he said the "North Carolina economy is getting back on its feet."
* "We are seeing right now that jobs are being created, paychecks are bigger, costs are coming down," [Whatley] said.
* Those comments could easily come back to haunt Whatley, as his Democratic opponent -- former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper -- makes affordability central to his campaign.
* As Whatley said last June, in remarks tailormade for a political attack ad, "President Trump campaigned on bringing down gasoline prices, grocery prices, and housing prices."
* "How are we doing?" Whatley asked.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdp.org/media/new-from-ms-now-dc-insider-michael-whatley-dismissing-affordability-concerns-claiming-costs-are-coming-down/
N.C. Democratic Party: From Fayetteville Observer - Michael Whatley Profits Off War In Iran After Dismissing Sacrifice Of Service Members
RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 4 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news on April 2, 2026:
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FROM FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER: Michael Whatley Profits Off War In Iran After Dismissing Sacrifice Of Service Members
A new column from the Fayetteville Observer is highlighting that DC insider Michael Whatley is personally financially profiting from the war in Iran as it spikes his oil and gas investments. Whatley is a "longtime oil lobbyist" who represented Big Oil companies for years, and currently holds "up to a million plus dollars" in investments in the major oil companies
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 4 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news on April 2, 2026:
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FROM FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER: Michael Whatley Profits Off War In Iran After Dismissing Sacrifice Of Service Members
A new column from the Fayetteville Observer is highlighting that DC insider Michael Whatley is personally financially profiting from the war in Iran as it spikes his oil and gas investments. Whatley is a "longtime oil lobbyist" who represented Big Oil companies for years, and currently holds "up to a million plus dollars" in investments in the major oil companiesthat have spiked following military action in Iran.
As Whatley profits off the war he supports, he has said he doesn't "think we're sacrificing our soldiers at all right now." More than 1,500 troops from Fort Bragg have been deployed to the Middle East and 13 service members have been killed.
This isn't the first time Whatley has advocated for military action that benefits his bottom line. Earlier this year, he cheered on the Trump administration's pledge to increase oil production in Venezuela and reaped up to $63,000 in a single weekend from his oil and gas stocks.
Read More:
Fayetteville Observer: What Michael Whatley gains from supporting Trump's Iran War | Opinion (https://www.fayobserver.com/story/opinion/2026/04/02/iran-war-raises-conflict-questions-for-nc-senate-candidate-michael-whatley/89417398007/)
Myron Pitts | April 2, 2026
* In a military community like Fort Bragg, war rhetoric can carry real weight
* Whatley, a former chair of the North Carolina Republican Party, already has Trump's endorsement. But now he must keep it. That means in this moment in history attaching himself to the deeply unpopular Iran War, which the U.S. and Israel initiated just under a month ago, killing Iran's effective head of state and many in top leadership. Thirteen service members have been killed and more than 200 injured.
* Where a would-be senator from North Carolina stands on war and peace is particularly critical in the Fayetteville-Fort Bragg community. Already, 1,500 82nd Airborne paratroopers have been deployed to the Middle East. They join a surge of what could ultimately be 5,000 troops, a mix of soldiers and Marines. If there is any kind of major ground operation, we can say with certainty more soldiers from here will go.
* But Whatley said March 4, in a radio interview, that he trusted the president to execute on a "very well-defined" mission in Iran. He said the action needed to be taken to stop the country from producing nuclear weapons.
* The additional wrinkle for Whatley is that he owns oil and gas stocks, which spike in times of disruption, as the overall economy suffers. This happened with Whatley's holdings when Trump in February raided Venezuela and captured its head of state, Nicolas Maduro -- an action Whatley called a very important step.
* Politico, in a February story titled "Whatley's windfall," noted that he and his family members owned a million-plus dollars in three major oil companies and that the share prices spiked, raising the investment by $22,000 to $63,000.
* Nevertheless, the same stock bounce is happening with Whatley's stocks due to the Iran War, which he supports.
* As for Whatley's war profits, congresspeople who own stocks often find themselves in these unseemly conflicts of interest, because they vote on critical legislation that inevitably affects the market.
* This is why both Whatley and his Democratic opponent, former governor Roy Cooper, have said they believe members of Congress should sell their individual stocks or put them in a trust. Cooper is additionally calling on Whatley to set the example and sell his stocks now. (Felts, his spokesperson, said Whatley would do so if elected to the Senate.)
* Whatley seeks to serve as senator in a state, where he himself has noted, has one of the largest military populations.
* Appearances do matter, all the more so in politics.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdp.org/media/new-from-fayetteville-observer-michael-whatley-profits-off-war-in-iran-after-dismissing-sacrifice-of-service-members/
Mich. Democratic Party: Breaking - Mike Rogers' Health Care Plan Includes New Out-of-Pocket Costs and High-Risks Pools That Increase Premiums
LANSING, Michigan, April 4 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release:
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BREAKING: Mike Rogers' Health Care Plan Includes New Out-of-Pocket Costs and High-Risks Pools that Increase Premiums
A breaking report from Bridge Michigan reveals new details about Mike Rogers' toxic health care agenda. Audio of Rogers speaking at a recent campaign event reveals his plan includes "ending no-cost preventive care" and "recreating a form of high-risk insurance pools." Health care experts panned Rogers' plan as "so crazy," saying it would cause health care costs to skyrocket for
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LANSING, Michigan, April 4 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release:
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BREAKING: Mike Rogers' Health Care Plan Includes New Out-of-Pocket Costs and High-Risks Pools that Increase Premiums
A breaking report from Bridge Michigan reveals new details about Mike Rogers' toxic health care agenda. Audio of Rogers speaking at a recent campaign event reveals his plan includes "ending no-cost preventive care" and "recreating a form of high-risk insurance pools." Health care experts panned Rogers' plan as "so crazy," saying it would cause health care costs to skyrocket forpatients with pre-existing conditions and lead to more "undiagnosed chronic diseases [that] can spiral out of control and require expensive treatment."
"Mike Rogers' plan is to make health care more expensive and rip away care from Michiganders with pre-existing conditions," said Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Joey Hannum. "Rogers thinks Michiganders should be forced to pay new out-of-pocket costs for basic services like blood pressure, diabetes and cancer screenings--meanwhile, he's fully on board with giving more handouts to multi-millionaires like himself. Price Hike Mike's health care plan is shameful, and Michiganders will reject it in November."
Read more:
Bridge Michigan (https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/senate-hopeful-mike-rogers-floats-copays-high-risk-pools-for-health-care/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter): Senate hopeful Mike Rogers floats copays, high-risk pools for health care
* Republican US Senate candidate Mike Rogers recently told supporters he is interested in ending no-cost preventive care for health insurance plans and creating "catastrophic funds" for the sickest Americans.
* "You know, if you go up and have to pay the doctor $50 for your annual physical, that's probably okay, right?" Rogers told supporters at a March 21 event in Macomb County, according to a recording reviewed by Bridge Michigan.
* Rogers was responding to a question from an attendee who asked him what could be done to lower health care costs. Rogers said he'd be releasing a full health care plan in the coming weeks that would "embrace the freedom of the free market" to start lowering prices.
* His comments on preventive care copays and creating separate insurance pools for sick patients would undo two promises of the Affordable Care Act.
* Rogers' campaign did not directly respond to requests for clarification about his remarks.
* In the event with supporters, Rogers likened free preventive care -- as guaranteed by the Affordable Care Act -- to "an auto insurance plan that would pay for your blinker's light going out." That would be a great insurance plan, but one that would cost drivers more, he explained.
* "We need to start changing the way we look at health care," Rogers said.
* A major provision of the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to provide certain preventive care services, such as blood pressure, diabetes and cancer screenings -- notably at no cost to the patient.
* Anand Parekh, chief policy officer at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, argued that if people skip preventive care because of costs, undiagnosed chronic diseases can spiral out of control and require expensive treatment.
* In his remarks, Rogers also suggested the federal government establish "catastrophic funds" to lower premiums, appearing to embrace the concept of high-risk pools while noting "the sickest part of our society ends up consuming the most" medical services.
* "So we're going to pay our premium based on what a normal life would be, not including these people who are really, really sick," Rogers said.
* He added: "We take the really sick people and put them in this fund that we all pay a little bit. The government pays, the hospital pays, Medicare would pay a little bit."
* Before the ACA, nearly three dozen states had high-risk pools for people with significant medical needs who couldn't otherwise get insurance. The ACA essentially eliminated the need for those pools by mandating insurers cover patients with pre-existing conditions.
* "This turns out to be expensive for consumers and government," said Parekh, who also served as the chief medical advisor at the Washington-based Bipartisan Policy Center.
* Returning to high-risk pool policies would be "just so crazy," said Fendrick, telling Bridge the pools are among a series of ideas "that have been floated around conceptually for decades, but never had the policy or political chops behind" them.
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Original text here: https://michigandems.com/breaking-mike-rogers-health-care-plan-includes-new-out-of-pocket-costs-and-high-risks-pools-that-increase-premiums/
ICYMI: Mike Rogers is Surrounding Himself With Extremists
LANSING, Michigan, April 4 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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ICYMI: Mike Rogers is Surrounding Himself with Extremists
Following recent reporting about how multi-millionaire Mike Rogers' newly-announced campaign outreach team includes members who "complained about women in politics" and defended a group chat "filled with praise for Hitler, gas chamber jokes, racial slurs, and rape comments," a reminder that Rogers has stacked his campaign with extremists:
* Mike Rogers' super PAC is bankrolled by an "ardent Christian nationalist" with
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LANSING, Michigan, April 4 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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ICYMI: Mike Rogers is Surrounding Himself with Extremists
Following recent reporting about how multi-millionaire Mike Rogers' newly-announced campaign outreach team includes members who "complained about women in politics" and defended a group chat "filled with praise for Hitler, gas chamber jokes, racial slurs, and rape comments," a reminder that Rogers has stacked his campaign with extremists:
* Mike Rogers' super PAC is bankrolled by an "ardent Christian nationalist" withties to far-right antisemites: Rogers' super PAC received $5 million from Texas oil billionaire Tim Dunn, who said "only Christians should hold leadership positions" and whose political network includes "white supremacists and antisemites" like Nick Fuentes.
* Mike Rogers has refused to speak out after one of his senior campaign leaders admitted to dismissing victims' allegations of childhood sexual abuse: Pastor Tim Cross, a senior leader on Rogers' faith coalition team, has a "connection to a Midland church where three elders have been convicted of sex crimes involving children" and recently admitted he "did not believe the victims" when they came forward.
* Mike Rogers has embraced baseless election denialism: Rogers was caught at campaign events falsely claiming that "a single van carrying ballots in Detroit 'swung' his 2024 race" and has since "surround[ed] himself with election deniers" who "repeatedly questioned the results of the 2020 election" and have received federal pardons from Trump for their alleged roles in the "false electors" scheme to overturn Michigan's 2020 electoral votes.
* Mike Rogers' campaign has "downplayed the extreme positions" of its faith coalition leadership team, who have "openly opposed gay marriage and LGBTQ+ rights," supported forced conversion therapy on minors, called LGBTQ+ people an "abomination," and described LGBTQ+ rights as a "godless, demonic, satanic and wicked agenda of the devil."
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Original text here: https://michigandems.com/icymi-mike-rogers-is-surrounding-himself-with-extremists/
DNC: Trump's FY 2027 Budget - War and the Wealthy First, Working Families Last
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Trump's FY 2027 Budget: War and the Wealthy First, Working Families Last
Donald Trump submitted his annual budget proposal to Congress today, in which he requested $1.5 trillion in military spending while slashing critical programs that help everyday Americans, small businesses, and farmers. Trump's proposed $445 billion increase in military spending could instead pay for a year of health care for nearly 56 million Americans, a year of child care for 32 million children, or school
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WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Trump's FY 2027 Budget: War and the Wealthy First, Working Families Last
Donald Trump submitted his annual budget proposal to Congress today, in which he requested $1.5 trillion in military spending while slashing critical programs that help everyday Americans, small businesses, and farmers. Trump's proposed $445 billion increase in military spending could instead pay for a year of health care for nearly 56 million Americans, a year of child care for 32 million children, or schoollunch for 30 million children throughout their entire K-12 education.
Trump wants Americans to pay for his deadly and costly war of choice in Iran -- which has already claimed the lives of 13 U.S. servicemembers and injured over 350. Trump's war is driving up prices -- yet just this week Trump admitted, "We can't take care of daycare. We're a big country. We have fifty states, we have all these other people, we're fighting wars. We can't take care of day care."
In response, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:
"Donald Trump and JD Vance campaigned as an 'America First' ticket, but their budget shows where their priorities really are: billionaires first, working families last. Americans are already struggling to make ends meet in Trump's economy, and rather than make it easier to put food on the table, pay rent, or afford doctor's visits, Trump wants to make taxpayers pay for his war with Iran. Americans want housing, health care, and affordable energy bills, not more bombs. Families are sick of seeing their needs on the backburner while Trump caters to his own interests and secures massive tax handouts for his rich friends."
Here are some of the most harmful elements of Trump's budget:
Economy:
* Trump's budget calls for eliminating programs that help everyday Americans with high costs, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households.
* Trump's budget calls for eliminating housing affordability programs, including those in the bipartisan Senate housing bill that Trump initially said he would sign into law.
* Trump's budget seeks to eliminate programs that support small businesses, including cutting the Commerce Department agency that promotes minority-owned businesses, as well as the Rural Business Service by $82 million.
Education:
* Trump is continuing his efforts to shut down the Department of Education by cutting billions from K-12 programs and millions from minority-serving institutions.
Farmers:
* Trump's budget calls for cutting hundreds of millions of dollars from programs that provide assistance to support school meals and child nutrition.
Environment:
* Trump's budget proposes a 52% cut to the EPA -- the lowest level since the 1980s -- including cutting funding to reduce pollution, which causes asthma and other harmful diseases.
Homeland Security:
* Amid the ongoing DHS shutdown, in which Trump and Republicans refuse to fund key agencies like TSA and FEMA, Trump is calling for a $52 million cut to TSA and for privatizing the agency.
* Trump is similarly calling for $1.3 billion in cuts to FEMA grants.
* Meanwhile, Trump is calling for $10 billion in additional funding for ICE with no reforms and no strings attached.
* Trump's budget seeks to cut grant funding for the Office on Violence Against Women, which his administration called "duplicative and unnecessary."
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/trumps-fy-2027-budget-war-and-the-wealthy-first-working-families-last/
DNC: In the States - From Gas to Groceries to Health Care, Americans are Paying the Cost of Trump's Toxic Agenda and War of Choice in Iran
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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IN THE STATES: From Gas to Groceries to Health Care, Americans are Paying the Cost of Trump's Toxic Agenda and War of Choice in Iran
Yesterday marked one year since Donald Trump declared April 2 "Liberation Day" and rolled out at least 10% tariffs on nearly all countries. Trump promised American families that his tariffs would help lower costs and usher in a "golden age," but instead, one year later, working families are struggling under skyrocketing costs, high inflation, a dismal
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WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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IN THE STATES: From Gas to Groceries to Health Care, Americans are Paying the Cost of Trump's Toxic Agenda and War of Choice in Iran
Yesterday marked one year since Donald Trump declared April 2 "Liberation Day" and rolled out at least 10% tariffs on nearly all countries. Trump promised American families that his tariffs would help lower costs and usher in a "golden age," but instead, one year later, working families are struggling under skyrocketing costs, high inflation, a dismaljob market, and a decaying economy.
* In Arizona: AZ Family: One year after Trump's 'Liberation Day,' Arizona lost thousands of jobs
* In Minnesota: Minnesota Star Tribune: A year in, Trump's tariffs take toll on Minnesota companies
* In Michigan: Michigan Advance : A year after 'Liberation Day,' Michigan Dems rail on the harms of Trump's tariffs on the state
* In Kentucky: Louisville Courier Journal: One year later, impact of Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs linger in KY
* In Georgia: WJCL 22: Savannah residents, businesses reflect on impact of Trump tariffs one year later
Yesterday, the DNC filed a lawsuit alongside the DSCC, DCCC, DGA, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer challenging Donald Trump's illegal executive order that attacks Americans' right to vote by mail. This executive order is yet another blatantly unconstitutional attempt by Trump and Republicans to interfere in fair and free elections, but Democrats aren't backing down. We are taking action to protect every American's right to vote and ensure their voices are heard.
* Nationwide: CBS News: DNC and top Democratic leaders sue Trump over mail-in voting executive order
* Nationwide: Democracy Docket: Democrats sue to block Trump's 'unlawful' order targeting mail-in voting
* Nationwide: Politico: Democrats sue Trump administration over mail-in-voting order
* Nationwide: Associated Press: Democrats sue to block Trump's executive order targeting mail ballots
* Nationwide: Reuters: Democrats ask judge to block Trump order tightening mail-in voting
* Nationwide: Washington Post: Democrats, voter rights groups file lawsuits on Trump order on mail ballots
As Donald Trump's deadly and costly war in Iran continues to drag on, House Republicans are looking to make even deeper cuts to Medicaid to foot the bill. Just last year, Trump and Republicans passed their Big Ugly Bill that enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in history, leaving millions of Americans uninsured and putting hundreds of hospitals at risk of closure. Now, Republicans want to make this health care crisis even worse.
* Nationwide: Axios: GOP weighs health care cuts to pay for Iran war
* Nationwide: NBC News: Medicaid cuts threaten hundreds of hospitals, new report finds
* In Florida: Florida Phoenix: Medicaid cuts could add pressure to already-stressed psychiatric units
* In Nebraska: Associated Press: Concerns over a Nebraska hospital show how a $50B rural health fund is coming up short
* In Nebraska: Nebraska Examiner: Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act darkens outlook for government-backed clinics
Meanwhile, Americans across the country are paying a premium at the pump as Donald Trump's unpopular war of choice with Iran spikes gas prices. As the national average gas price hits $4 a gallon the first time since 2022, everyday Americans and small businesses are struggling to make ends meet amid rising costs -- with no relief in sight.
* Nationwide: New York Times: As Gas Prices Approach $4 a Gallon, Americans Rethink Vacations
* Nationwide: CNN: Fuel vs food: These Americans are cutting back to afford higher gas prices
* Nationwide: CNN: 'I'm done': Rideshare drivers on the brink of quitting over higher gas prices
* In Florida: First Coast News: Gas prices surge, driving up costs for Jacksonville businesses: 'It can't just keep going up'
* In Massachusetts: CBS Boston: Massachusetts drivers frustrated by rising gas prices: "I had to get a second job"
* In North Carolina: ABC 11: Gas price surge strains farmers, drivers across NC
* In Pennsylvania: WHYY: 'Ridiculous, absurd': Philadelphia-area gas prices top $4 a gallon for the first time in 4 years
* In Pennsylvania: CBS Philadelphia: Rising gas prices "hitting the bottom line" of this Pennsylvania trucking company
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/in-the-states-from-gas-to-groceries-to-health-care-americans-are-paying-the-cost-of-trumps-toxic-agenda-and-war-of-choice-in-iran/
DNC: Did Trump Fire Bondi To Cover Up The Epstein Files?
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Did Trump Fire Bondi To Cover Up The Epstein Files?
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declares the DOJ has moved on from seeking accountability for Epstein's victims
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After Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi yesterday, new reporting found that Trump fired Bondi, in part, because of her handling of the Epstein Files. Trump is using Bondi's firing to cover-up the Epstein Files and absolve himself of accountability, as he faces persistent backlash from his own supporters
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WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Did Trump Fire Bondi To Cover Up The Epstein Files?
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declares the DOJ has moved on from seeking accountability for Epstein's victims
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After Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi yesterday, new reporting found that Trump fired Bondi, in part, because of her handling of the Epstein Files. Trump is using Bondi's firing to cover-up the Epstein Files and absolve himself of accountability, as he faces persistent backlash from his own supportersfor the administration's stonewalling.
Nearly four months after Bondi and the Department of Justice were mandated to release all of the Epstein files, she refused to release millions of documents, and those that were released were heavily redacted.
Just last night, Trump's acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News, "To the extent the Epstein Files was a part of the past year of this Justice Department, it should not be a part of anything going forward." Blanche went on to say that Trump is the only "president that's held Mr. Epstein accountable" despite the fact that Trump's own DOJ hid dozens of pages of the Epstein files alleging Trump sexually abused minors.
In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
"As Attorney General, Pam Bondi repeatedly stonewalled the release of the Epstein files, hid documents from public view, and ultimately denied justice to the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. But Trump still needs a scapegoat for this embarrassing political scandal that's lost him even his most loyal supporters. Trump's new AG just made it clear that he's never going to release these files, but the American people won't stop demanding transparency and accountability."
60% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the Epstein Files, including more than 1-in-4 Republicans. Nearly 6-in-10 Americans also said it is likely Trump committed crimes in connection with Jeffrey Epstein, and a majority believes the administration has not focused enough on the files.
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/did-trump-fire-bondi-to-cover-up-the-epstein-files/
