U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Heinrich, Lujan, Senate Democrats Press Trump Administration to Resume Processing DACA Applications
WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
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Heinrich, Lujan, Senate Democrats Press Trump Administration to Resume Processing DACA Applications
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WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) to urge the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, following a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that limited a nationwide injunction to Texas.
The senators began
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WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
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Heinrich, Lujan, Senate Democrats Press Trump Administration to Resume Processing DACA Applications
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WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) to urge the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, following a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that limited a nationwide injunction to Texas.
The senators beganby highlighting the popular support for providing Dreamers a pathway to citizenship, writing: "Noncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute every day to this great nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship, and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States."
The senators continued by making their request, writing: "Consistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately."
Sunday, June 15 marked the thirteenth anniversary of President Obama establishing the DACA program via policy memorandum in 2012. Since then, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA, empowering recipients to bolster their careers and contribute an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power and $40 billion in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes.
In 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen halted the DACA program and enjoined USCIS from approving any new DACA applications nationwide. While the program was enjoined, USCIS has continued to accept and hold initial applications, and in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published the DACA Final Rule, codifying the 2012 memorandum establishing DACA into regulation. More than 100,000 initial DACA applications are pending with USCIS.
On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision limiting Judge Hanen's injunction to Texas.
The senators further elaborated on the Fifth Circuit's decision to limit the injunction, writing: "Pursuant to the order, in Texas, DACA must resume as a limited program providing protection from deportation for current DACA recipients, but without access to work authorization or driver's licenses as part of those renewals. This order went into effect on March 11, giving USCIS the authority to start processing initial DACA applications from states other than Texas. However, nearly three months later, USCIS has not made any public announcement on whether new DACA applications will be processed; nor has the agency begun processing initial applications that have been pending with the agency for years."
The senators concluded: "We urge you to begin processing these DACA applications immediately, consistent with the Fifth Circuit decision and existing regulations, and to ensure Dreamers eligible to file initial DACA applications can do so as soon as possible."
The letter is led by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). Alongside Heinrich and Lujan, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
The text of the letter is here and below:
Dear Acting Director Alfonso-Royals:
Noncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute every day to this great nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship, and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States. Consistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately.
In 2001, the Dream Act was introduced on a bipartisan basis to provide a path to citizenship to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children but remained vulnerable to deportation. Since that time, the Dream Act has been introduced in every Congress. It has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate with bipartisan majority votes, but no version has yet to be signed into law. In response to bipartisan pressure to protect Dreamers until Congress acted, the Obama Administration implemented DACA through a policy memorandum in 2012.
Since 2012, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA. Many DACA recipients report that deferred action--and the accompanying employment authorization -- allowed them to apply for their first job or move to a higher-paying position more commensurate with their skills. Since its establishment, DACA recipients have contributed an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power, and $40 billion dollars in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes.
In 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen halted the DACA program and enjoined USCIS from approving any new DACA applications nationwide. While the program was enjoined, USCIS has continued to accept and hold initial applications, and in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published the DACA Final Rule, codifying the 2012 memorandum establishing DACA into regulation. Over 100,000 initial DACA applications are pending with USCIS.
On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision limiting Judge Hanen's injunction to Texas. Pursuant to the order, in Texas, DACA must resume as a limited program providing protection from deportation for current DACA recipients, but without access to work authorization or driver's licenses as part of those renewals. This order went into effect on March 11, giving USCIS the authority to start processing initial DACA applications from states other than Texas. However, three months later, USCIS has not made any public announcement on whether new DACA applications will be processed; nor has the agency begun processing initial applications that have been pending with the agency for years.
We urge you to begin processing these DACA applications immediately, consistent with the Fifth Circuit decision and existing regulations, and to ensure Dreamers eligible to file initial DACA applications can do so as soon as possible.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
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Original text here: https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-senate-democrats-press-trump-administration-to-resume-processing-daca-applications/
Daines-Sheehy Joint Statement on Blocking Sale of Public Lands
WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release:
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Daines-Sheehy Joint Statement on Blocking Sale of Public Lands
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"Public Lands Belong in Public Hands"
U.S. SENATE - U.S. Senators Tim Sheehy and Steve Daines issued the following joint statement after blocking a provision that would sell public lands from being included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Debate on the bill is scheduled to begin later today but the provision was removed from the bill late last night:
"Public lands belong in public hands. Blocking the sale of public lands is a victory
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WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release:
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Daines-Sheehy Joint Statement on Blocking Sale of Public Lands
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"Public Lands Belong in Public Hands"
U.S. SENATE - U.S. Senators Tim Sheehy and Steve Daines issued the following joint statement after blocking a provision that would sell public lands from being included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Debate on the bill is scheduled to begin later today but the provision was removed from the bill late last night:
"Public lands belong in public hands. Blocking the sale of public lands is a victoryfor our Montana way of life.
"We look forward to the final passage of the Big Beautiful Bill in order to prevent the largest tax increase in American history, secure the border, unleash American energy, and most importantly, implement President Trump's America First agenda that Montanans - and folks across the country - overwhelmingly support and sent us here to enact."
View their joint video statement HERE.
Contact: Matt Lloyd, Gabby Wiggins
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Original text here: https://www.daines.senate.gov/2025/06/29/daines-sheehy-joint-statement-on-blocking-sale-of-public-lands/
Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson on the Second Anniversary of the Supreme Court's Decision in Students for Fair Admissions
WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
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Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson on the Second Anniversary of the Supreme Court's Decision in Students for Fair Admissions
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson issued the following statement on the second anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina, which struck down the use of race in college admissions and reversed decades of
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WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
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Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson on the Second Anniversary of the Supreme Court's Decision in Students for Fair Admissions
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson issued the following statement on the second anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina, which struck down the use of race in college admissions and reversed decades ofprecedent supporting affirmative action:
"Two years ago today, the Supreme Court turned its back on a long-standing commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education. The decision to eliminate affirmative action was a regressive step that erased hard-won progress in the fight for educational equity.
Affirmative action was never about giving anyone an unfair advantage; it was about acknowledging the barriers students of color face and working to level the playing field. It reflects the teachings of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., serving to right the scales of justice. By banning even the consideration of race as one of many factors in admissions, the Court ignored the reality of systemic inequality that continues to shape educational access and outcomes.
This ruling has already had a chilling effect. Data shows a sharp decline in Black, Latino, and Native student admissions at top universities. Without intentional efforts to foster inclusion, we risk resegregating our campuses and narrowing the pipeline of future leaders from historically underrepresented communities.
I remain committed to ensuring students of all races and backgrounds have a fair shot at opportunity. Congress must explore legislative avenues to promote equity, including increased support for HBCUs, targeted outreach, and race-conscious strategies that comply with the Court's ruling. We must not let this decision be the final word on diversity in higher education."
Since the Supreme Court's June 2023 ruling, data from 59 selective colleges show that the average share of Black freshmen dropped from 7% to 6%, while Hispanic enrollment fell from roughly 14% to 13%--the largest one-year declines for these groups since 2010. Asian and white student proportions remained largely steady, and the percentage of students not reporting race doubled from 2% to 4%.
In response to growing attacks on inclusive values, Congressman Jackson co-founded the Congressional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Caucus to protect workers' rights, defend inclusive policies, and raise awareness among lawmakers about the urgent need to embrace diversity across every sector of society. Through the DEI Caucus and ongoing collaboration with colleagues, community leaders, and students, he continues to address the lasting impact of the Supreme Court's decision and to advance equitable, inclusive policies throughout the education system.
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Original text here: https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jonathan-l-jackson-second-anniversary-supreme-courts-decision
Cantwell, Red State Leaders Warn Entire Communities Will Suffer if Residents Lose Health Insurance Due to Medicaid Cuts
WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
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Cantwell, Red State Leaders Warn Entire Communities Will Suffer if Residents Lose Health Insurance Due to Medicaid Cuts
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Misguided legislation would leave 16 million Americans without health insurance; Officials on the ground in MO, UT, and NC say fewer federal resources means more uninsured Americans, cuts in services, and even hospital closures - with states & counties left to pick up the slack
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U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science,
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WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
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Cantwell, Red State Leaders Warn Entire Communities Will Suffer if Residents Lose Health Insurance Due to Medicaid Cuts
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Misguided legislation would leave 16 million Americans without health insurance; Officials on the ground in MO, UT, and NC say fewer federal resources means more uninsured Americans, cuts in services, and even hospital closures - with states & counties left to pick up the slack
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U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science,and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined local leaders from red states for a virtual press conference to warn that cutting 16 million Americans off of health insurance will put a dramatic strain on the budgets and health of their communities.
"Policies in this legislation hamper the abilities for states to fund their Medicaid programs," said Sen. Cantwell. "To make up for lost federal dollars, state governments will have to consider cutting reimbursements to providers, cutting types of services, cutting people from Medicaid rolls, or raising everyone's taxes. All these decisions lead to poor health outcomes. They increase the cost for taxpayers and strain our healthcare system."
"We have a dramatic shortage of mental health beds in our state, and our jails have come become the largest repository for individuals," said Steve Hobbs, Missouri Association of Counties Executive Director and former Missouri State Representative (R-21), who called into the virtual presser from inside a skid steer at his farm. " Any changes to the premium tax would have a huge impact on our rural hospitals -- all of our hospitals, our nursing homes, and so we're really concerned about those changes as well."
"No one knows exactly where the shrapnel will fall, but it will be a very large change to our state budget and the services that we can provide. So I'm really hoping we can find some other, better way forward," said Utah State Representative Ray Ward (R-19).
In total, 16 million Americans - including over 300,000 Washingtonians - will lose the health care coverage they need to get regular check-ups, behavioral health care, family planning services, long-term care, urgent care, and more if the pending reconciliation bill passes the U.S. Senate and is signed into law. Those living in rural areas - which have a higher proportion of residents who rely on Medicaid for health insurance coverage, and where smaller hospitals operate on slimmer margins - would be hit hardest.
People without health insurance tend to wait until their health problem is an emergency before seeking care in local hospitals. This leads to more crowded emergency rooms for everyone. And hospitals must factor the uncompensated cost of additional uninsured patients into already strained finances - finances which are especially strained at rural hospitals.
The additional stress and costs to the system will be shared by everyone as premiums rise, hospitals close or cut services, and localities increase taxes to keep up with greater demand for first responders and law enforcement.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published its updated analysis, available here, after the House of Representatives narrowly passed their budget reconciliation bill with over $800 billion in cuts and significant changes to Medicaid. A Joint Economic Committee (JEC) fact sheet, available here, provides updated estimates for all 50 states and D.C. of the estimated number of people losing their health insurance. The JEC data broken down by Congressional District is available here.
Sen. Cantwell was joined at today's virtual press conference by:
* Steve Hobbs, Missouri Association of Counties Executive Director and former Missouri State Representative [ link to footage ]
* Ray Ward, Utah State Representative (R-19) [ link to footage ]
* Kevin Leonard, North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Executive Director [ link to footage ]
* Wendy Sisk, CEO of Peninsula Behavioral Health
* Tristan Twohig, Emergency Department Registered Nurse at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane
Video of today's virtual press conference is available HERE ; a transcript is available HERE.
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Original text here: https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-red-state-leaders-warn-entire-communities-will-suffer-if-residents-lose-health-insurance-due-to-medicaid-cuts
As Congressional Republicans Take An Axe To Clean Energy, Lujan Reintroduces Commonsense Legislation To Expand Access To Solar Energy For Families And Businesses
WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
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As Congressional Republicans Take An Axe To Clean Energy, Lujan Reintroduces Commonsense Legislation To Expand Access To Solar Energy For Families And Businesses
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Republican Lawmakers Are Working To Cut Funding For Clean Energy;
Lujan's Bill Offers A Practical, Commonsense Solution For Our Energy Future
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act, legislation that would support community solar projects and expand access
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WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
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As Congressional Republicans Take An Axe To Clean Energy, Lujan Reintroduces Commonsense Legislation To Expand Access To Solar Energy For Families And Businesses
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Republican Lawmakers Are Working To Cut Funding For Clean Energy;
Lujan's Bill Offers A Practical, Commonsense Solution For Our Energy Future
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act, legislation that would support community solar projects and expand accessto solar energy across the country, regardless of one's income or ability to host a solar system on their roof. Directing more resources to expand renewable energy through community solar projects would lower energy costs for consumers, support good-paying jobs, and help combat the climate crisis. Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced companion legislation in the House.
As Congressional Republicans continue to push their reconciliation bill that slashes clean energy investments that have helped create hundreds of thousands of jobs and lowered energy costs for hardworking families, Senator Lujan is leading legislation to expand access to clean energy while creating good-paying jobs and lowering energy prices. Currently, nearly half of American households and businesses are unable to use rooftop solar systems due to high costs of installation or because they live in buildings that cannot host solar panels.
"As the climate crisis intensifies and Republican lawmakers push to cut clean energy funding, fighting for practical solutions like community solar is more critical than ever," said Senator Lujan. "I'm proud to reintroduce the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act to expand access to solar power through community solar projects for all Americans and create more good-paying, clean energy jobs. This bill is a step forward in combating the climate crisis, and I look forward to working with Representative Castor to get this bill passed."
"Every family deserves access to affordable, clean energy--no matter their zip code or housing situation," said Rep. Kathy Castor. "Too many Americans are locked out of rooftop solar because they rent their homes, live in multi-family buildings or can't afford the upfront costs. The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act helps break down these barriers by expanding access to shared solar projects, allowing more Americans to save money on their electric bills and benefit from the clean energy economy. I'm thankful for Sen. Lujan's partnership in pushing for lower electric bills for Americans across the country. This bill empowers communities--especially working families, small businesses and Tribal governments--to participate in local solar projects that reduce energy costs, cut pollution and create good-paying jobs. It's a win-win for working families and for our climate future."
Specifically, the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act would:
* Require the Department of Energy to expand existing grant, loan, and financing programs to include community solar programs and to establish a program to increase access to community solar programs, including through technical assistance;
* Require each electric utility to offer a community solar program that provides all ratepayers, including low-income ratepayers, with equitable access;
* Allow the General Services Administration to offer a public utility contract for a period of up to 30 years - currently, the maximum is 10 years.
"The New Mexico Climate Investment Center is particularly focused on development of community solar facilities that are community-owned, tribal-owned, and those in rural electric cooperative districts of New Mexico. Such community solar facilities will need the technical assistance in developing such programs particularly to provide greater access to low-cost solar subscriptions for the most vulnerable households in our communities that they are targeting. This bill seeks to address the need for technical assistance and other types of support to provide greatest access to those subscribers. We are in support of Senator Lujan's bill to provide such support," said Beth Beloff, CEO of New Mexico Climate Investment Center.
"The Community Solar Choice Act is exactly the kind of forward-thinking, commonsense energy policy we need to expand access to affordable clean energy for more Americans. Community solar delivers bill savings, energy resilience, and local jobs--especially for low- and moderate-income households. We're grateful to Senator Lujan and Representative Castor for championing this legislation and look forward to working with them to ensure community solar continues to grow as a vital part of the nation's energy economy," said Jeff Cramer, President and CEO, Coalition for Community Solar Access.
"As extreme heat drives up electricity bills across the country, this legislation couldn't come at a more urgent time. Americans are demanding relief from rising energy costs, and expanding community solar is a commonsense way to deliver it. Solar energy is cheaper and faster to build, but not everyone can install solar panels on their roof. Community solar offers a practical solution to ensure everyone, especially those in low-income neighborhoods facing the highest energy cost burdens, has the option to power their homes with affordable, reliable clean energy. We applaud Rep. Castor and Senator Lujan's leadership in advancing this critical effort," said Rachel Patterson, Senior Policy Director, Evergreen Action.
"Ensuring families, particularly renters, have more choices to access cheaper, cleaner, local solar energy in their communities is a win-win-win. It's good for families' budgets, good for communities' development and job creation, and good for our environment. Solar energy is the fastest electricity to get on the grid, and when it is local, or distributed, and especially when paired with battery storage, it is even better at stabilizing our grids and driving down costs for all communities and businesses," said Matthew Davis, Vice President of Federal Policy, League of Conservation Voters.
"Too many families--especially in communities overburdened by pollution--have been left out of the benefits of solar power. The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act is a critical step toward correcting that injustice. By expanding access to community solar, this bill helps ensure that low-income households and renters can finally share in the cost savings and cleaner air that solar energy provides. As parents, we support this legislation because it prioritizes previously overlooked communities, protects our children's health, and builds a more just and sustainable energy future for all of us," said Liz Hurtado (she/her), National Field Manager, EcoMadres, Moms Clean Air Force.
"Community solar is one of the smartest and most reliable tools we have to lower electricity bills, reduce pollution, and build energy independence, especially for renters and low-income families who are too often left behind. The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act expands fairness and opportunity in our energy system by giving more Americans access to the benefits of affordable, domestic, clean power at a time when families need it most. This is common-sense policy that strengthens energy freedom, supports local jobs, and makes our communities more resilient," said Xavier Boatright, Deputy Legislative Director, Sierra Club.
The bill is endorsed by New Mexico Climate Investment Center, Coalition for Community Solar Access, Evergreen Action, GreenLatinos, League of Conservation Voters, Moms Clean Air Force, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Solar Energy Industries Association, WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
Senator Lujan has been a champion in advancing clean energy, previously introducing legislation that would require states to consider policies to promote the deployment of community solar projects.
Full text of the bill can be found here.
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Original text here: https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-congressional-republicans-take-an-axe-to-clean-energy-lujan-reintroduces-commonsense-legislation-to-expand-access-to-solar-energy-for-families-and-businesses/
