U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Brown Introduces War Powers Resolution to End Trump's Disastrous War with Iran
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, issued the following news release:
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Brown Introduces War Powers Resolution to End Trump's Disastrous War with Iran
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Washington, DC - Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has introduced a War Powers Resolution to end Trump's disastrous illegal war with Iran.
Since March, House Democrats have forced three votes to end the war in Iran. The last vote in the House ended in a 212-212 tie, meaning the War Powers Resolution needs just one more vote to pass the House. Members of the Congressional
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WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, issued the following news release:
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Brown Introduces War Powers Resolution to End Trump's Disastrous War with Iran
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Washington, DC - Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has introduced a War Powers Resolution to end Trump's disastrous illegal war with Iran.
Since March, House Democrats have forced three votes to end the war in Iran. The last vote in the House ended in a 212-212 tie, meaning the War Powers Resolution needs just one more vote to pass the House. Members of the CongressionalProgressive Caucus are introducing War Powers Resolutions every week, ensuring that the privileged resolutions can be called up on the floor for a vote each and every week this war continues. The resolution directs the President to terminate the use of force against Iran unless explicitly authorized by Congress.
"Trump's war with Iran has been a complete disaster. Trump has made a mockery of the Constitution and US law, he's caused massive price increases, and after months of war, we are not any safer. That's why a huge majority of the American people do not want this war - and they deserve to be heard from. I am proud to join my Progressive Caucus colleagues in not letting Speaker Johnson and Republicans pretend this war isn't happening by continuing to force votes to end this reckless war," said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.
Last month, the Acting Pentagon Comptroller told the House Armed Services Committee that the Iran War has already cost taxpayers $29 billion dollars. According to analysis from Brown University, higher gasoline and diesel prices caused from the war have now cost the average American household over $300, including $180 in extra gasoline costs alone.
Congresswoman Brown joins the efforts of Congressional Progressive Caucus members, including Reps. Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Chuy Garcia (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Becca Balint (VT-AL), who are working in coordination to force votes on ending the war in Iran.
War Powers Resolutions are privileged in the House of Representatives, meaning that this resolution can be brought to the floor for a vote in the House floor in the coming weeks.
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Original text here: https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/brown-introduces-war-powers-resolution-end-trumps-disastrous-war-iran
Bresnahan's Cybersecurity Legislation Passes House Small Business Committee
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:
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Bresnahan's Cybersecurity Legislation Passes House Small Business Committee
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WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced the Small Business Competitions Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026, legislation he co-led, passed out the House Committee on Small Business. His legislation, which passed unanimously by a bipartisan vote of 23-0, will ensure small businesses are protected from cybersecurity risks by studying the effects these attacks can have on small businesses.
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WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:
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Bresnahan's Cybersecurity Legislation Passes House Small Business Committee
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WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced the Small Business Competitions Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026, legislation he co-led, passed out the House Committee on Small Business. His legislation, which passed unanimously by a bipartisan vote of 23-0, will ensure small businesses are protected from cybersecurity risks by studying the effects these attacks can have on small businesses.
"In the United States, small businesses are 210% more likely to experience cyber incidents compared to larger companies," said Rep. Bresnahan. "This is a significant challenge for the businesses that make up Main Streets across the country and is something Congress can no longer afford to overlook. This legislation will help ensure that as cyber threats continue to evolve, our support systems for small businesses evolve as well."
Specifically, the legislation directs the U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate Federal cybersecurity assistance to small businesses. The bill would require a study to analyze cyber risks, vulnerabilities, and current initiatives and identify shortcomings of current preventative and mitigating measures.
In addition to the Small Business Competitions Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026, the House Committee on Small Business passed nine bills, including legislation to strengthen transparency of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) disaster loan program, direct the SBA to provide active outreach to small businesses on health coverage options, and require the SBA to provide recommendations to address anticompetitive conduct.
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Original text here: https://bresnahan.house.gov/media/press-releases/bresnahans-cybersecurity-legislation-passes-house-small-business-committee
Bean Cracks Down on Medicare Fraud
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Florida, issued the following news release:
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Bean Cracks Down on Medicare Fraud
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WASHINGTON -Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) introduced H.R. 8871, the DME Scammer Prevention Act, to prevent widespread fraud in the durable medical equipment (DME) system and strengthen safeguards for Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayers.
DME is a critical component of Medicare, providing catheters, orthopedic braces, and other medically necessary devices to seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, the program has long been vulnerable to fraudulent
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WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Florida, issued the following news release:
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Bean Cracks Down on Medicare Fraud
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WASHINGTON -Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) introduced H.R. 8871, the DME Scammer Prevention Act, to prevent widespread fraud in the durable medical equipment (DME) system and strengthen safeguards for Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayers.
DME is a critical component of Medicare, providing catheters, orthopedic braces, and other medically necessary devices to seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, the program has long been vulnerable to fraudulentbilling schemes and improper claim submissions, costing taxpayers billions of dollars.
Upon introduction, Congressman Bean said, "Rising fraud and criminal activity threaten to undermine the Medicare system for Northeast Floridians and seniors across the country. We have an obligation to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to care for our most vulnerable-not lining the pockets of fraudsters who exploit gaps in the system. This legislation strengthens accountability, improves oversight, and helps modernize the way claims are processed so legitimate patients get the care they need without delay or abuse of the system."
BACKGROUND
The DME Scammer Prevention Act would require the electronic submission of DME products most susceptible to fraud within 90 days of the initial claim date. The current submission deadline is 365 days, which allows fraudulent vendors to take advantage of the payment system and cheat the American taxpayer.
The bill would also direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive review of the technology used by Medicare Administrative Contractors to screen and process claims. This report will help identify gaps in current fraud detection tools and recommend improvements to better protect the Medicare system.
Full text of Congressman Bean's bill can be found HERE.
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Original text here: https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases/bean-cracks-down-medicare-fraud
Baldwin Leads Colleagues Urging Trump Admin to Keep American Workers at Center of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Negotiations
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, issued the following news release:
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Baldwin Leads Colleagues Urging Trump Admin to Keep American Workers at Center of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Negotiations
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led 14 of her Senate colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to prioritize American workers during the review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) and stand up to China. The lawmakers laid out a comprehensive plan and called on the Trump Administration to address the offshoring of American jobs, stop
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WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, issued the following news release:
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Baldwin Leads Colleagues Urging Trump Admin to Keep American Workers at Center of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Negotiations
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led 14 of her Senate colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to prioritize American workers during the review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) and stand up to China. The lawmakers laid out a comprehensive plan and called on the Trump Administration to address the offshoring of American jobs, stopChina from undermining U.S. businesses and consumers, hold Mexico accountable for enforcing labor laws, and stop China's growing investment in Mexico that undercuts American workers.
"USMCA, negotiated by the first Trump Administration in partnership with Congress, took important steps to provide market stability and strengthen labor standards. These standards must be viewed as a floor, not a ceiling," wrote the Senators in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. "There are urgent issues that must be addressed during the upcoming review in order to ensure workers benefit as promised. We stand ready to work together to support American workers, manufacturing, and the domestic economy."
"We urge you to keep American workers at the center of this Agreement, as well as ensure their seat at the table now, throughout the joint review, and in the future," the Senators continued.
The letter was led by Senator Baldwin and co-signed by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).
In the letter, Senator Baldwin and her colleagues outlined how any revised agreement must benefit workers, including addressing offshoring, protecting workers' rights, and ensuring North American manufacturing is protected from increased Chinese investment and integration into our supply chains, which threatens American workers and businesses. Specifically, the lawmakers called on the Administration to:
* Address Offshoring: USMCA must have strong provisions to prohibit and prevent offshoring, as well as concrete plans to work with Mexico to increase wages and labor standards to discourage offshoring in the first place.
* Address Increased Chinese Investment in Mexico: Companies based in the People's Republic of China are setting up shop in Mexico to take advantage of the preferential trade treatment afforded by USMCA and circumvent U.S. trade laws. The Senators called for this loophole to be closed to prevent its use as a backdoor to the North American economy by third party actors, particularly our adversaries.
* Address Chinese Expansion into North American Supply Chains: To boost North American manufacturing, USMCA included stronger rules on countries of origin to secure supply chains and prevent outsourcing in key sectors like automobiles. The Senators demanded that we strengthen and expand these standards to ensure that parts in these sectors are made in North America and cover new advanced technologies.
* Ensure Mexico Fully Enforces Its Labor Laws: An independent review found in 2025 that Mexico is not in compliance with its labor obligations under the USMCA, including the core obligation to effectively enforce its new labor laws to ensure workers are able to organize independent unions free from coercion and employer intimidation. This has contributed to a persistent wage gap with American workers that leads to offshoring. The Senators called on the Administration to prioritize this fundamental enforcement issue during the joint review to ensure a level playing field for American workers.
* Ensure Rapid Response Mechanism Functions Well for Workers: The lawmakers urged that USMCA's innovative Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), which has resulted in increased wages and organizing rights for workers in Mexico, be prioritized during the joint review.
* Robustly Fund the Bureau of International Labor Affairs: The Bureau of International Labor Affairs plays a critical role in combatting forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking abroad. The Senators urged the Administration to work with Congress to provide ILAB with the resources it needs to ensure enforcement of labor standards in the USMCA.
* Fully Enforce Forced Labor Ban: The lawmakers called on the Trump Administration to identify concrete actions all three parties can take to improve enforcement of existing forced labor bans, including regular public reporting on enforcement data and protocols to share intelligence underpinning enforcement actions.
Last year, Senator Baldwin led her colleagues in laying out a vision to prioritize American workers in trade policy, re-establish the United States as a world leader in manufacturing, and strengthen national security.
A full version of this letter is available here and below.
Dear Ambassador Greer:
We write regarding the upcoming joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to insist that any revised agreement must deliver meaningful and measurable gains for American workers. USMCA, negotiated by the first Trump Administration in partnership with Congress, took important steps to provide market stability and strengthen labor standards. These standards must be viewed as a floor, not a ceiling. There are urgent issues that must be addressed during the upcoming review in order to ensure workers benefit as promised. We stand ready to work together to support American workers, manufacturing, and the domestic economy.
While the USMCA was an improvement over its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement, which contributed to the loss of millions of manufacturing jobs and the hollowing out of communities across the country, it has not gone far enough to level the playing field and stop the global race to the bottom. Both Canada and Mexico are not in compliance with key commitments under USMCA's labor chapter. Additionally, new challenges have arisen since the Agreement was drafted and entered into force, such as the presence of Chinese investment in Mexico.
We appreciate your statement in your December 2025 testimony before Congress that "a rubber stamp of the Agreement is not in the national interest." In that spirit, we urge you to use the joint review to lift all boats by ensuring that both Canada and Mexico fully comply with their labor commitments. Specifically, the U.S must use the USMCA joint review process to tackle the following priorities:
* Address Offshoring: The continued offshoring of good manufacturing jobs is an existential threat to American workers and the communities they support. USMCA has not reversed this decades-long trend of companies closing U.S facilities to seek lower wages and environmental standards in Mexico. With workers in the Mexican automotive and electronics manufacturing sectors still only earning $3 to $5 per hour and Mexican manufacturing worker pay lower than in China, U.S. companies continue to offshore at alarming rates and use the threat of offshoring to depress U.S. wages. USMCA must have strong provisions to prohibit and prevent offshoring, as well as concrete plans to work with Mexico to increase wages and labor standards to discourage offshoring in the first place, including consideration of a North American manufacturing wage floor.
* Ensure Mexico Fully Enforces Its Labor Laws: Under the USMCA, Mexico agreed to implement critical and comprehensive labor law reforms to protect workers' rights, including their rights to organize independent trade unions and bargain for fair compensation. However, the congressionally-authorized Independent Mexico Labor Expert Board (IMLEB) concluded in 2025 that Mexico is not in compliance with its labor obligations under the USMCA, including the core obligation to effectively enforce its new labor laws. The persistent use of unfair labor practices and stall tactics by employers in Mexico, as evidenced by numerous facility-specific Rapid Response Mechanism cases, demonstrates the urgent need for Mexico to fully implement and enforce its labor laws, and we encourage USTR to leverage the joint review to ensure full compliance. We are particularly concerned over the failure of Mexico's enforcement bodies to issue and collect fines against employers who violate workers' rights. Mexico's failure to fully enforce its labor laws has both harmed Mexican workers and contributed to a persistent wage gap with American workers that leads to offshoring. We call on the Administration to prioritize this fundamental enforcement issue during the joint review to ensure a level playing field for American workers.
* Ensure Rapid Response Mechanism Functions Well for Workers: USMCA's innovative Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) has resulted in wins for workers in Mexico such as increased wages and reinstatement of workers fired for union activity. We support efforts in the joint review to make the RRM more accessible, transparent, and efficient for workers, as well as addressing the delays in cases that proceed to the panel phase. We note the RRM is intended to address facility-specific violations and cannot substitute for comprehensive enforcement of Mexico's labor laws at the national level. However, the RRM is a critical tool for workers in Mexico, and improvements should be prioritized during the joint review.
* Robustly Fund the Bureau of International Labor Affairs: Activities funded through the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) play a critical role in support USTR's efforts around the world to enforce labor provisions in our trade agreements, as well as combat forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking abroad, and provide funding for technical assistance to raise labor standards in global supply chains. Recognizing the importance of ILAB programs, implementing legislation for USMCA included $180 million over four years for technical assistance projects related to the Agreement, and $30 million over eight years for ILAB to monitor USMCA compliance. ILAB-funded programs have helped workers form independent unions in Mexico to enforce labor rights in USMCA. However, the Administration has eliminated over $500 million in international workers' rights programming funded through ILAB, harming workers in the United States and encouraging a global race to the bottom in wages and standards in Mexico. We urge the Administration to work with Congress to provide ILAB with the resources it needs to ensure enforcement of labor standards in the USMCA, without shortchanging the rest of its commitments around the world.
* Fully Enforce Forced Labor Ban: Article 23.6 of the USMCA requires all three parties to adopt and implement a ban on the import of goods made with forced labor. All USMCA parties have adopted a ban on the import of goods made with forced labor, but in practice, all parties must do more to enforce the ban. While the U.S. enforcement efforts have waned under the second Trump Administration, Canada and Mexico have done little to enforce their respective bans. The joint review should identify concrete actions all three parties can take to improve enforcement, including regular public reporting on enforcement data and protocols to share intelligence underpinning enforcement actions.
* Address Increased Chinese Investment in Mexico: Companies based in the People's Republic of China are setting up shop in Mexico to take advantage of the preferential trade treatment afforded by USMCA and circumvent U.S. trade laws. Since USMCA came into effect, Chinese investment into Mexico has more than doubled, while U.S. findings of unfair trade practices by the PRC and Chinese companies have expanded significantly: more than 70 new Chinese AD/CVD orders have gone into effect since USMCA was ratified. It is critical to address this loophole in the review of the Agreement to prevent its use as a backdoor to the North American economy by third party actors, particularly our adversaries. Combatting China's unfair trade practices will take global cooperation, and the review can present a model of how countries can work together to counter this threat.
* Address Chinese Expansion Into North American Supply Chains: Strong Rules of Origin (ROO) are critical for securing supply chains and preventing outsourcing. For that reason, the USMCA included stronger ROO in key sectors like automobiles to boost North American manufacturing. As Chinese exports of industrial goods to Mexico continue to increase, however, it is important to ensure that USMCA continues to primarily benefit North American industry and workers. The Administration should work closely with Congress to negotiate and implement stronger ROO for critical manufacturing sectors like autos, aerospace, and heavy machinery. These ROO strengthen and expand regional value content rules to ensure that parts in these sectors are made in North America and cover new advanced technologies.
The joint review of USMCA will be hugely impactful to North American and global trade. We urge you to keep American workers at the center of this Agreement, as well as ensure their seat at the table now, throughout the joint review, and in the future. Thank you for your consideration of these priorities, and we look forward to working together on these important goals.
Sincerely,
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Original text here: https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-leads-colleagues-urging-trump-admin-to-keep-american-workers-at-center-of-us-mexico-canada-trade-negotiations
At Spotlight Forum, Democrats Sound Alarm on Corrupt DOJ Antitrust Settlement That Allows Live Nation-Ticketmaster to Continue Abusing Its Monopoly to Harm Music Fans, Artists, and Venues
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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At Spotlight Forum, Democrats Sound Alarm on Corrupt DOJ Antitrust Settlement That Allows Live Nation-Ticketmaster to Continue Abusing Its Monopoly to Harm Music Fans, Artists, and Venues
State AGs Have Stepped In to Defend Consumers and Workers from Live Nation-Ticketmaster's Abusive Practices
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Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent
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WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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At Spotlight Forum, Democrats Sound Alarm on Corrupt DOJ Antitrust Settlement That Allows Live Nation-Ticketmaster to Continue Abusing Its Monopoly to Harm Music Fans, Artists, and Venues
State AGs Have Stepped In to Defend Consumers and Workers from Live Nation-Ticketmaster's Abusive Practices
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Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate PermanentSubcommittee on Investigations (PSI), led a spotlight forum examining the Live Nation-Ticketmaster monopoly and a controversial Department of Justice (DOJ) sweetheart deal that weakens antitrust enforcement and rips off consumers.
The hearing featured testimony from: California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Roger Alford, former Trump Administration Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Division; Tom DeGeorge, Tampa venue owner, The Crowbar; Jerry Mickelson, Chicago venue owner and promoter, Jam Productions; and Franz Nicolay, keyboardist and pianist, The Hold Steady.
Live Nation-Ticketmaster's monopolistic power over live entertainment is still stifling the industry.
* Ranking Member Raskin explained: "Millions of Americans have had the exact same experience of logging in to buy tickets to see music in concert and finding the costs are extraordinarily high. Why are they so expensive? One corporate giant controls the entire entertainment ecosystem, from the venues where concerts take place, to sales of the tickets, to artist bookings on their concert tours, to the concert promoters who organize the tours. That concentrated power and control, and lack of competition defines nearly every aspect of entertainment today."
* Venue owner Jerry Mickelson explained: "We are shut out of the industry I have spent my entire life in. I am sitting on the sideline watching the industry go by in front of me. They are taking bands from me that we have historical relationships with. We don't even get calls from agents that we used to deal with every day. We are out of the bidding process. We are not part of the industry. We will soon only be producing tribute bands the way it's going. It is pretty disheartening to be in a business you love and not be able to participate in a meaningful way."
* Venue owner Tom DeGeorge said: "A breakup needs to happen. But if Live Nation is still controlling the tours, they still control the industry. After 20 years, my venue will close on July 31st of this year. Last month, Live Nation announced plans to build a 4,300-capacity venue in my venue's neighborhood. That is how this happens. Not with a knockout punch, but slowly show by show, year by year, until one day you read that a brand new Live Nation venue is coming into your neighborhood, while the small, independent venue you spent decades building through hard work is closing its doors."
Trump's Justice Department recently cut a sweetheart settlement deal with Live Nation-Ticketmaster, essentially giving the company a slap on the wrist.
* Former Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Division under Trump, Roger Alford, said: "Why, we traditional Republicans ask, have the rich men north of Richmond betrayed the hardworking Americans who struggle to enjoy the simple pleasures of life? If music is good for the soul, then why can so few afford it? And why would we give up the chance to do something about it? The answer is the DOJ has abused its prosecutorial discretion to reach a settlement that I predict will be found to not be in the public interest."
* Rep. Pramila Jayapal warned: "Corporations now know exactly what the game plan is to succeed here. Hire MAGA-aligned lobbyist like Mike Davis to make giant contributions to Trump-affiliated campaigns and ventures, overstep the antitrust division, and go directly to senior Trump officials to dismiss or settle lawsuits and allow mergers to proceed. And who cares if it raises home prices on consumers or health care costs for Americans, or if it stacks the decks against small businesses?"
* Musician Franz Nicolay said: "I think some artists reasonably are worried about retaliation. Artists are going to have to maintain a working relationship with Live Nation for the foreseeable future, to be able to tour successfully once you're playing venues of a certain size. Many other artists are cynical after years of inadequate response, even after this huge win. It's going to take time for artists to see its real. The tools of antitrust in the past has been used to prevent musicians from working together. I want to credit Representative Ross for her Protect Working Musicians Act which could go some ways towards helping that."
* Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove asked California Attorney General Rob Bonta: "What should Congress understand about the broader harm to workers, consumers, and creative economies when consolidation like this goes unchecked?" Attorney General Bonta explained: "All of those entities get hurt--artists, fans, consumers, businesses that just want to compete on a level playing field and have an opportunity because of their product to succeed. And that's what we're safeguarding here, a free and fair market. And that's what Ticketmaster-Live Nation have interfered with and disrupted and undermined. And this isn't an opinion. There's laws, rules of the road."
* Former Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Roger Alford said of influence peddling at the DOJ: "It's unprecedented. We have seen lobbyists try, in the past, to have influence over law enforcement matters, but to have this level of success is truly shocking. [...] To my amazement, senior officials in Pam Bondi's office basically overruled us because of recommendations from lobbyists that have no idea whatsoever about the antitrust laws."
State AGs are fighting back while Trump's DOJ has abandoned the field.
* Attorney General Bonta said: "The way the US DOJ treated the states is not how teammates treat each other. It was without communication. It was disrespectful. It was weak in the way they settled the case. They left us flat-footed for a moment, but we regrouped quickly and we are proud of the result we were able to get. We quickly assessed that their settlement was very insufficient and not worthy of what the American people deserve in this case, and we were able to fight for more, and we got more."
* Rep. Jayapal said: "This Federal abandonment really does have dire consequences for American consumers, except that we have this incredible bipartisan coalition of state AGs that has stepped up with courage and with diligence."
* Attorney General Bonta said: "Our case is proof of just how far states can and will go to protect our residents and our businesses from big corporations using their power to illegally raise prices and rip off Americans. And we will do that with or without the federal administration."
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Original text here: https://democrats-judiciary.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/at-spotlight-forum-democrats-sound-alarm-on-corrupt-doj-antitrust-settlement-that-allows-live-nation-ticketmaster-to-continue-abusing-its-monopoly-to-harm-music-fans-artists-and-venues
Amo Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Barney Frank
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Gabe Amo, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release:
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Amo Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Barney Frank
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Washington, DC - TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) issued the following statement on the passing of former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank:
"I'm saddened to learn of former Congressman Barney Frank's passing.
From his work to support our economy through crisis to his leadership defending LGBTQ+ rights, Congressman Frank made a lasting impact on America.
My thoughts are with those who loved him. We honor his life and legacy
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WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Gabe Amo, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release:
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Amo Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Barney Frank
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Washington, DC - TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) issued the following statement on the passing of former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank:
"I'm saddened to learn of former Congressman Barney Frank's passing.
From his work to support our economy through crisis to his leadership defending LGBTQ+ rights, Congressman Frank made a lasting impact on America.
My thoughts are with those who loved him. We honor his life and legacyby carrying his work forward."
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Original text here: https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-congressman-barney-frank
Alford Priorities Pass Appropriations Committee in FY27 Energy & Water Development Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Alford Priorities Pass Appropriations Committee in FY27 Energy & Water Development Funding Bill
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Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed the Energy, Water Development, and Related Agencies funding bill for Fiscal Year 2027.
"Today, the House Appropriations Committee once again advanced another strong, America First funding Bill for Fiscal Year 2027. The Energy and Water Development bill strengthens national security, unleashes
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WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri, issued the following news release:
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Alford Priorities Pass Appropriations Committee in FY27 Energy & Water Development Funding Bill
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Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed the Energy, Water Development, and Related Agencies funding bill for Fiscal Year 2027.
"Today, the House Appropriations Committee once again advanced another strong, America First funding Bill for Fiscal Year 2027. The Energy and Water Development bill strengthens national security, unleashesAmerican energy dominance, and delivers results for Missouri families," said Congressman Alford.
"This legislation champions our nuclear deterrent, advances President Trump's goal to quadruple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, restores full funding for Army Corps of Engineers water projects, and supports rural America, while eliminating wasteful Biden-era programs. I am particularly proud the bill includes language supporting the Kansas City National Security Campus expansion, which is one of America's premier national security manufacturing sites right here in our backyard."
Fourth District priorities secured by Congressman Alford in the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill include:
* Language supporting the Kansas City Non-Nuclear Expansion Transformation (KC NExT) project at the National Security Campus, which will add two million square feet of cutting-edge office and manufacturing space, substantially growing capacity to meet rising demand for the non-nuclear components of our nuclear arsenal made there.
* WATCH Congressman Alford's remarks in support of this provision HERE.
* A provision to prioritize nuclear workforce training in partnership with registered apprenticeship programs on Department of Energy funded projects, just like KC NExT.
* Increased funding to support domestic boron and isotope production, which is vital to onshoring critical mineral development and ending American reliance on Communist China.
* Protections for Americans' Second Amendment rights when visiting water development sites, like Truman Reservoir, under certain conditions.
* Expanded funding for the Office of Cyber security, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) to secure our energy infrastructure against all hazards, cyber risks, and disruptions.
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Original text here: https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1615
Alaska Delegation Applauds Signing of Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act
WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, issued the following news release:
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Alaska Delegation Applauds Signing of Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today applauded the enactment of H.R. 2815, the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act, marking completion of a decades-long effort to fulfill a commitment made under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).
This new law-signed by President Trump yesterday-waives a statutory requirement that would have compelled
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WASHINGTON, May 20 -- Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, issued the following news release:
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Alaska Delegation Applauds Signing of Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today applauded the enactment of H.R. 2815, the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act, marking completion of a decades-long effort to fulfill a commitment made under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).
This new law-signed by President Trump yesterday-waives a statutory requirement that would have compelledthe Cape Fox Corporation, the Alaska Native Corporation for the Village of Saxman, to use a portion of its ANCSA land entitlement on remote parcels with no economic value. The bill instead directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to Cape Fox the surface estate to a 180-acre tract in the Tongass National Forest that was unavailable to the corporation under the original terms of ANCSA.
The tract would allow Cape Fox to consolidate land ownership for a project to construct a road and transmission line to connect the Mahoney Lake hydropower site to the Beaver Falls Power Grid. The measure also conveys the subsurface estate of this tract to the Sealaska Corporation to avoid the creation of additional split estate between National Forest System surface lands and Sealaska subsurface lands.
"Cape Fox was placed at an incredible disadvantage when it was forced to claim lands under ANCSA that offered little to no economic value to its village corporation. After decades of hard work, Cape Fox has finally overcome these obstacles and is now finally on track to complete its land entitlement," Senator Murkowski said. "This is a testament to Cape Fox's resilience, determination, and stewardship, and I congratulate them. I'm also grateful to my Senate colleagues for temporarily setting aside their differences on lands-related legislation to allow us to again pass this measure in the Senate, and to Senator Sullivan and Congressman Begich for their partnership in this effort. It is great to have this done and I look forward to the benefits it will provide in Southeast Alaska."
"For too long, the Alaska Native shareholders of Cape Fox have been denied the opportunity to select a 180-acre parcel of land that would connect their entitlements and bring critical infrastructure to the region," said Senator Sullivan. "The passage of this legislation marks a huge win for Cape Fox and its members and for the pursuit of economic opportunity and energy security for the surrounding villages. I'm glad to have worked with Senator Murkowski and Congressman Begich to get this across the finish line and deliver a result that supports a stronger future for Southeast."
"This legislation delivers long-overdue certainty for the Cape Fox Corporation and the community of Saxman," said Congressman Begich. "By cutting through outdated statutory requirements and allowing Cape Fox to select lands that better meet their needs, we are streamlining land management and creating new revenue opportunities for Southeast Alaska while also honoring the promises made under ANCSA. The signing of this bill marks another important step in our commitment to advancing Alaska priorities and ensuring our communities have the tools they need to thrive and build new capacity. I am proud to have championed this bill in the House, working with Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and Senator Cruz to get this bill across the finish line and to the president's desk."
Cape Fox was uniquely affected by the original terms of ANCSA as it was restricted from making selections within six miles of the boundary of the city of Ketchikan while all other village corporations could make selections within two miles of home rule cities. As a result, only the mountainous northeast corner of Cape Fox's core township was available for selection by the corporation. Cape Fox's options were further limited by the fact that the Annette Island Indian Reservation is within its selection area but unavailable under ANCSA.
H.R. 2815 marks the first time the House of Representatives has passed the Cape Fox bill and the second time the Senate has passed it. Murkowski first introduced the bill in January 2024 and secured its Senate passage in December 2024, but the House of Representatives did not take it up before adjourning that year.
After the House passed H.R. 2815 by voice vote in December 2025, Murkowski worked with her colleagues to structure a bipartisan pairing that allowed the measure to pass the Senate in February 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-applauds-signing-of-cape-fox-land-entitlement-finalization-act
