U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate as well as the House and Senate leadership and House and Senate committees.
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Senate Health Committee Ranking Members Cassidy, Sen. Crapo Demand Transparency on DOL New Policy Forgiving Julie Su for Losing $32B to Unemployment Insurance Fraud
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
Today, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Mike Crapo (R-ID), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, raised concerns that the Department of Labor's (DOL) December 2023 guidance could put U.S. taxpayers on the hook for the approximately $32.6 billion the State of California lost to fraud during DOL Acting Secretary
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WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
Today, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Mike Crapo (R-ID), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, raised concerns that the Department of Labor's (DOL) December 2023 guidance could put U.S. taxpayers on the hook for the approximately $32.6 billion the State of California lost to fraud during DOL Acting SecretaryJulie Su's tenure as California's Labor Secretary. The guidance transfers the authority to decide when the federal government forgives lost federal UI funds to California and other states.
In a May 1 House Education and the Workforce Committee hearing, Julie Su stated that the guidance only allows states "to waive non-fraudulent [UI] overpayments." However, the guidance allows states to apply their own finality laws to determine which lost funds they are required to pay back with nothing specifically prohibiting states from waiving funds lost to fraud.
Specifically, California's losses in federal UI funds due to fraud have been estimated to be as high as $32.6 billion, as much as one third of the nation's total UI fraud. Concerningly, the California State Controller found that the state "had inadequate control over its financial reporting for federally funded unemployment insurance benefits ... [the State] is unable to provide complete and accurate information" for federally funded UI accounts. This inability to definitively account for how much was lost to fraud means that it is questionable how fraud can be a limiting factor in the Employment Development Department (EDD) determination of how much of the lost funds should be forgiven.
As California's Labor Secretary at the time of the widespread fraud, Julie Su was directly in charge of EDD, the agency tasked with distributing UI payments to state residents. At the direction of Su, EDD waived basic fact-checking fraud prevention requirements for UI payments. This was in contradiction to DOL guidance, which clarified these protection requirements "must be adhered to" and were "critical to the operations of the UI-related CARES Act programs." As a result of lax oversight, California lost an estimated $32.6 billion in fraudulent UI payments. In 2022, the California State Auditor found that, "[d]espite repeated warnings, EDD did not bolster its fraud detection efforts until months into the pandemic, and it suspended a critical safeguard."
The senators requested information from DOL on if and how it ensured California took all proper steps to recover these fraudulently paid funds.
"Under your leadership as Acting Secretary, DOL issued Unemployment Insurance Program Letter No. 05-24 stating that, to allow states to 'be forward looking,' the agency will 'defer to states to apply their finality laws to the CARES Act UC programs,'" wrote the senators. "DOL's guidance therefore appears to allow California to shift the consequences of a still unknown amount of federal funds that was lost under your leadership as Secretary of LWDA to the American taxpayer."
Read the full letter here (https://www.help.senate.gov/2024-05-08_ui-guidance-letterpdf) or below.
Dear Acting Secretary Su:
We write to express our concern that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) may be preventing the recovery of federal unemployment insurance funds lost to fraud by California's Employment Development Department (EDD).
While serving as Secretary for the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), you waived basic fact-checking and fraud prevention requirements for federal pandemic-related unemployment insurance (UI) payments.[1] DOL guidance later clarified that such requirements "must be adhered to" and are "critical to the operations of the UI-related CARES Act programs."[2] Even California's own state auditor found that "[d]espite repeated warnings, EDD did not bolster its fraud detection efforts until months into the pandemic, and it suspended a critical safeguard."[3] As a result of EDD's failures, including to verify claimants' identities, it is estimated to have mistakenly paid approximately $32.6 billion in fraudulent UI payments during the pandemic.[4] This is more than double the annual budget of DOL.
Under your leadership as Acting Secretary, DOL issued Unemployment Insurance Program Letter No. 05-24 stating that, to allow states to "be forward looking," the agency will "defer to states to apply their finality laws to the CARES Act UC programs."[5] As the guidance notes, the terms of the agreements that states entered to administer federal pandemic UI programs require them to take "such actions as reasonably may be necessary to recover for the account of the United States all benefit amounts erroneously paid."[6] EDD, which paid out approximately $32.6 billion in fraudulent claims, determined that it has taken all such actions to collect monies lost to fraud that are "reasonably necessary," and therefore California's finality laws should be applied and the lost amounts should be forgiven. However, the California State Controller noted that because EDD "had inadequate control over its financial reporting for federally funded unemployment insurance benefits ... [the State] is unable to provide complete and accurate information" for federally funded UI accounts.[7]
DOL's guidance therefore appears to allow California to shift the consequences of a still unknown amount of federal funds that was lost under your leadership as Secretary of LWDA to the American taxpayer. California's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report maintains that "[o]nce federal approval is received, approximately $29.0 billion in federal liabilities will be removed from future financial statements in addition to a portion of the remaining $26.0 billion in federal liabilities, which would also be subject to state finality laws."[8] This action by California is especially concerning, given the State's own unemployment insurance law indicates that its finality laws "shall not apply in any case of fraud, misrepresentation or willful nondisclosure."[9]
We ask that you answer the following questions, on a question-by-question basis, and provide all responsive documents requested by May 22, 2024:
1. California's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report notes "EDD is waiting on final federal approval of EDD's request as indicated in the February 2024 letter before the event [applying finality laws to CARES Act claims] can be recognized in financial statements as a forgiveness of debt."[10]
a. What is the current status of DOL's review of California's request to apply finality laws to outstanding liabilities incurred to the federal government?
b. What steps is the DOL taking to ensure that California's application of finality law is not being applied to suspected or confirmed benefit claims involving fraud, misrepresentation, or willful nondisclosure?
2. Detail all actions of which DOL is aware that California's EDD has taken to recover all fraudulently paid UI funds provided by the federal government through the CARES Act.
a. Does DOL believe such steps constitute all reasonably necessary actions to recover those funds?
b. If not, what additional steps does DOL believe EDD must undertake to recover the lost funds?
3. Describe all retroactive actions DOL required the State of California to implement pursuant to DOL's authority under the CARES Act.
a. Prior to issuing Unemployment Insurance Program Letter No. 05-24, did the State of California successfully implement all such retroactive requirements?
b. If not, which requirements did the State of California fail to implement?
4. Describe any (1) modernization and (2) anti-fraud efforts or recommendations DOL has advised the State of California to implement using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
a. Prior to issuing Unemployment Insurance Program Letter No. 05-24, did the State of California successfully implement all such modernization efforts?
b. If not, which efforts did the State of California fail to implement?
5. Since 2020, how much funding did the State of California receive from the DOL to recover UI fraud under the American Rescue Plan Act and the CARES Act?
6. Have you discussed the funds lost to UI fraud administered by EDD with any California state government officials since becoming Deputy Secretary of Labor on July 13, 2021?
a. If so, please detail with whom you discussed UI fraud losses, when you had that discussion(s), and a general summary of what was discussed.
b. Provide all written correspondence or evidence of any scheduled conversations regarding funds lost to UI fraud in California since 2020.
7. Please provide all correspondence between the DOL and California state government officials regarding Unemployment Insurance Program Letter No. 05-24.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.
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Original text here: https://www.help.senate.gov/ranking/newsroom/press/ranking-members-cassidy-crapo-demand-transparency-on-dols-new-policy-forgiving-julie-su-for-losing-32-billion-to-unemployment-insurance-fraud
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Cantwell Issues Opening Statement at Hearing on NTSB Nominations
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, released the following opening statement from an April 10, 2024, confirmation hearing:
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This morning, we're holding a hearing on the nominations of two individuals the Committee knows well, but it's important that we get them into their continued roles.
I am pleased to welcome Jennifer Homendy, the Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, who has been re-nominated for a five-year term, and Patrick Fuchs who has been re-nominated for a five-year term on the
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WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, released the following opening statement from an April 10, 2024, confirmation hearing:
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This morning, we're holding a hearing on the nominations of two individuals the Committee knows well, but it's important that we get them into their continued roles.
I am pleased to welcome Jennifer Homendy, the Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, who has been re-nominated for a five-year term, and Patrick Fuchs who has been re-nominated for a five-year term on theSurface Transportation Board.
Chair Homendy has guided the NTSB through some of the most high-profile transportation accidents this nation has seen in recent memory, including the East Palestine derailment, the Alaska Airlines door plug accident, and now the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, which claimed six lives and closed the Port of Baltimore, causing significant disruptions to our national freight network. I'm so sorry for the loss of lives that occurred at the bridge. It's a constant reminder of who's built our nation -- the hardworking men and women who take these risks and do this job. We mourn their loss and give our prayers to their families.
She has led investigations with independence and integrity to discover the factors that are so important to not have history repeat itself while continuing to support the structure at the NTSB.
Under her leadership, the agency has eliminated a backlog of 442 overdue investigative reports and worked to ensure the agency has the resources needed to adapt to emerging technologies.
The Committee has -- one example -- marked up our FAA bill, including robust NTSB recommendations. That's how I believe the system is supposed to work. The NTSB, clearly a watchdog, is doing the hard, hard, hard investigative work reminding us what else needs to be improved upon in the system.
The Senate FAA bill requires the FAA to finalize the 25-hour cockpit recording rule. That is clear as it can be from you, Chair Homendy, the necessary recordings that help you in your investigation. As we know, the cockpit recording in the Alaska Airlines accident was overwritten, complicating your investigation. We are working hard with our House colleagues to reach an agreement and send the FAA bill to the President's desk.
I also want to focus on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. I commend the brave members of the United States Coast Guard and first responders who quickly conducted search and rescue efforts.
Thanks to President Biden and the Army Corps of engineers tirelessly working to reopen the Port of Baltimore.
The Department of Transportation has already made $60 million available to the state to aid in the rebuilding efforts - but we know much more is needed.
We stand ready to assist the people of Maryland and our important trade and transportation infrastructure that our economy counts on...and look forward to hearing any updates on that investigation this morning.
Mr. Fuchs, a former Commerce Committee staffer for Senator Thune, so it's great to have you back before the Committee. Being out there, I wonder if you remember all the questions you wrote for members before. We should dig some up. But thank you so much for your continued work through the board on the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw historic issues related to rail service.
Following the East Palestine derailment, the Committee found that from 2017 to 2021, the Class I railroads infrastructure investments were cut by 25 percent and employees were cut by 22 percent while accidents increased 14 percent.
I am concerned about how we guarantee safety for the future and as a state and an economy that is very pacific focused, a lot more volume is mid-west products, all just throughput for our state. So we want the rail to work and work effectively and with resiliency.
I look forward to hearing from you about how we do that.
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Original text here: https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/EFD2AB4A-4DB2-4A0A-BE63-588320D71DE7
Rep. Smith Issues Statement on USPS Announcement of North Platte Mail Processing Transfer to Denver
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Nebraska, issued the following statement on May 8, 2024:
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Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), released the following statement after the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced it will transfer operations of the North Platte, NE Mail Processing and Distribution Center to Denver, CO and convert the North Platte facility to a Local Processing Center.
"This decision--leaving the entire Third District, more land area than the state of North Dakota, without a USPS Mail Processing and Distribution Center--is another in a long line of actions demonstrating
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WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Nebraska, issued the following statement on May 8, 2024:
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Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), released the following statement after the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced it will transfer operations of the North Platte, NE Mail Processing and Distribution Center to Denver, CO and convert the North Platte facility to a Local Processing Center.
"This decision--leaving the entire Third District, more land area than the state of North Dakota, without a USPS Mail Processing and Distribution Center--is another in a long line of actions demonstratingUSPS' lack of concern for rural Americans. As American postal customer satisfaction and rates of on-time delivery are decreasing, there is strong evidence moving operations to Denver risks greater delays and inefficiencies. Furthermore, it appears our clearly voiced concerns were simply disregarded by USPS, as they were when processing at facilities in Grand Island and Alliance was consolidated to Omaha in 2013 and 2015. This is unacceptable for Nebraska communities, businesses, and seniors who are particularly reliant on USPS for delivery of prescription medicines.
"Failing to restore customer confidence is a losing strategy. To achieve the reforms that are desperately needed for USPS to overcome its serious fiscal problems and fulfill its constitutional mission to serve all Americans, USPS must focus more on improving service."
BACKGROUND:
In February Smith sent a letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy expressing concerns over proposed removal of postal operations from the North Platte facility.
Read the letter here (https://adriansmith.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/adriansmith.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2024-02-06%20North%20Platte%20PDC%20Consolidation%20Letter.pdf).
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Original text here: https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-statement-usps-announcement-north-platte-mail-processing-transfer-denver
Rep. Sanchez Opposes Republican Bill Requiring Census Citizenship Question
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Rep. Linda T. Sanchez, D-California, issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
Congresswoman Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA) issued the following statement in opposition to the Equal Representation Act, a bill passed by the Republican-controlled House today that would require the Census Bureau to include a citizenship question on the census:
"This extreme MAGA bill is designed to scare immigrants, mixed-status families and minority communities from participating in the census. It's yet another attempt by Republicans to undercount communities of color and deny them full representation
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WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Rep. Linda T. Sanchez, D-California, issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
Congresswoman Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA) issued the following statement in opposition to the Equal Representation Act, a bill passed by the Republican-controlled House today that would require the Census Bureau to include a citizenship question on the census:
"This extreme MAGA bill is designed to scare immigrants, mixed-status families and minority communities from participating in the census. It's yet another attempt by Republicans to undercount communities of color and deny them full representationin Congress and the federal funding they deserve.
"The Constitution requires a count of every person living in the United States. A citizenship question meant to severely erode that count is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court affirmed this in 2020.
"The census shouldn't be used as a political tool to further game the system against immigrants and their communities. I voted against this partisan bill and will continue to fight for a full and accurate count of everyone in the United States."
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Original text here: https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanchez-opposes-republican-bill-requiring-census-citizenship-question
Rep. Amo Urges Using Economic Tools to Counter China Belt & Road Initiative
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Rep. Gabe Amo, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) participated in a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing that focused on efforts by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to outcompete China's Belt and Road Initiative. During the hearing, Congressman Amo question Scott Nathan, the DFC's Chief Executive Officer, about how the agency plans to use congressionally-appropriated funds to increase private investment in Ukraine and bolster its economy. Additionally, Congressman Amo asked Mr.
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WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Rep. Gabe Amo, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) participated in a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing that focused on efforts by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to outcompete China's Belt and Road Initiative. During the hearing, Congressman Amo question Scott Nathan, the DFC's Chief Executive Officer, about how the agency plans to use congressionally-appropriated funds to increase private investment in Ukraine and bolster its economy. Additionally, Congressman Amo asked Mr.Nathan how the DFC is working to support countries like Ghana as they seek to end their reliance on loans from China's Belt and Road initiative.
* "We know that the People's Republic of China's 'Belt and Road Initiative' is operating mass economic coercion, and we know its impact on the African continent," said Congressman Gabe Amo. "For example, in the country where my dad was born, in Ghana, the Belt and Road Initiative has already provided about $2 billion in coercive loans for infrastructure projects. Now, China is Ghana's largest creditor. I'd be interested to know how the DFC can work to support countries like Ghana to help end their reliance on the loans from the Belt and Road Initiative."
Video of full hearing exchange HERE (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=osWT6VH200o__;!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!MxhBo1iB7SDNJT46UBjAR6gpK9KxaOiHug37noCeiPuKUR4OBgxbUQUhRN-fghCIlKbTPbOEMZi1qZoCJR_qGPmk4Uv5$)
BACKGROUND
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is a U.S. government agency that uses financial tools to promote private investment, primarily in less-developed countries. It seeks to support economic development in partner countries and to advance U.S. economic interests and foreign policy aims.
Authorized by the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act of 2018 (BUILD Act) until October 2025, DFC emerged from congressional efforts to enhance U.S. development finance tools and to respond to overseas economic activity by the People's Republic of China including the PRC's One Belt, One Road initiative. DFC replaced the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID's) Development Credit Authority (DCA) and was given new authorities.
Pursuant to the BUILD Act, DFC's tools and authorities include:
* Direct loans and loan guarantees of up to $1 billion for terms as long as 25 years, subject to federal credit law and other requirements, for projects and investment funds.
* Political risk insurance of up to $1 billion against losses due to political risks (e.g., currency inconvertibility, expropriation, and political violence), and reinsurance to increase underwriting capacity.
* Equity investment in specific projects or investment funds, with exposure limited to no more than 30% of all equity investments for a given project and no more than 35% of DFC's overall portfolio.
* Feasibility studies and technical assistance to support project identification and preparation. Recipients are generally required to share the cost of such support.
FULL HEARING REMARKS AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation's annual report details the ongoing work to support Ukraine's economic resilience as it defends itself from Russia's unlawful invasion.
This report recognizes our government's commitment to using every available economic tool to attract private capital and support small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine.
You yourself, Mr. Nathan, have traveled to Ukraine several times since the Russian invasion to work with the local business community.
I appreciate that you helped ensure the $1.1 billion invested by the Development Finance Corporation is used as effectively as possible to support Ukraine's economy.
But I'm sure you would agree more must be done to support our ally and help them prepare for their post-war recovery.
The recently enacted Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act that I proudly voted for authorizes the Development Finance Corporation to use funds for economic support for Ukraine.
Mr. Nathan, how does the Development Finance Corporation plan on using the funds provided by Congress to increase private investments in Ukraine and bolster Ukraine's economy?
The People's Republic of China's Belt and Road Initiative is a method of economic coercion -- allowing China to grow their economic influence over foreign governments. The initiative is particularly active on the African continent.
Nearly every country in Africa receives loans from the People's Republic of China under this initiative, giving them an increased leverage over essential supply chain routes and infrastructure across the continent.
In my father's home country of Ghana, the Belt and Road Initiative has already provided around $2 billion in coercive loans for infrastructure projects. China is now Ghana's largest creditor.
However, Ghanian public opinion is turning on the Belt and Road Initiative.
Mr. Nathan, how does the Development Finance Corporation work to support countries like Ghana to help end their reliance on loans from the Belt and Road Initiative?
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Original text here: https://amo.house.gov/press-release/amo-urges-using-economic-tools-to-counter-china-s-belt-and-road-initiativea
House of Representatives Passes Edwards Bill to Only Include U.S. Citizens in Congressional Representation
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-North Carolina, issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted for and passed U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards' (NC-11) bill, the Equal Representation Act, by a vote of 206-202.
Edwards spoke on the House floor to highlight the need to protect America's democracy and electoral integrity by making sure that only American citizens are counted when apportioning congressional seats and, consequently, Electoral College votes.
Edwards' full remarks as prepared for delivery are below, or you may watch online here
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WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-North Carolina, issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted for and passed U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards' (NC-11) bill, the Equal Representation Act, by a vote of 206-202.
Edwards spoke on the House floor to highlight the need to protect America's democracy and electoral integrity by making sure that only American citizens are counted when apportioning congressional seats and, consequently, Electoral College votes.
Edwards' full remarks as prepared for delivery are below, or you may watch online here(https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=NC11CE&crop=0000.0000.0000.0000&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dYL-723GDzAE&redir_log=669132136314281).
"One of the lesser acknowledged, but equally alarming, side effects of this administration's failure to secure the southern border is the illegal immigrant population's influence in America's electoral process.
"Our democracy depends on accurate representation and electoral integrity. Voting is a coveted privilege held by American citizens, and elected representatives are responsible for serving the interests of the voters in their district.
"But even if not a single illegal alien casts a vote, the mere presence of illegal immigrants in the U.S. is having a profound impact on the outcome of elections, skewing the representation of Americans.
"Mr. Biggs points out that the U.S. Constitution mandates that a census be carried out every ten years, where everyone who is present in the United States, regardless of their citizenship and immigration status, is counted. But the Constitution does not specify whether noncitizens or illegal aliens must be counted for the purpose of apportioning House seats.
"You may recall that in 2016, President Trump - through executive order - added a citizenship question back to the 2020 census. The same question that had been legally asked on every census since 1820, until it was removed in 1960 - not because there was anything found wrong with the question, but because the effect of illegal immigration was negligible at the time. But there's no doubt today, that the effect of illegal immigration is significant. I won't waste my time making that case - we all know it. It's a top concern of about 70% of all Americans.
"Though commonsense dictates that only citizens should be counted for apportionment purposes, illegal aliens have nonetheless recently been counted toward the final tallies that determine how many House seats each state is allocated and the number of electoral votes it will wield in presidential elections.
"And since the illegal alien population is not evenly distributed throughout the nation, American citizens in some states are losing representation in Congress to illegal aliens in other states.
"A 2019 study by the Center for Immigration Studies estimates illegal immigrants and non-citizens who have not naturalized and do not have the right to vote impact the distribution of 26 House seats.
"My bill, the Equal Representation Act, would finally address this alarming undermining of American democracy by requiring a citizenship question be added back to the 2030 census, creating reporting requirements for data gathered from the citizenship question, and requiring that only U.S. citizens be counted for the purpose of congressional apportionment.
"Mr. Speaker, this bill will no doubt draw criticism from those who don't want to fix the problem - and who seek to gain political influence by not fixing it. They will claim to have become experts on our Constitution. They will point to the word 'persons' in Section 2 of the 14th Amendment as a reason why this bill should not pass. But this word carries no definition in our Constitution, and it offers multiple different meanings in current law.
"Allow me to argue. In 1992, Franklin v Massachusetts - a Supreme Court case on apportionment of representatives - opined the term 'persons' to mean an individual who not only has a physical presence, but some element of allegiance to a particular place.
"The Census Bureau does not include foreigners who visit the U.S. for a vacation or a business trip in the population count, since they have no political or legal allegiance to any state or the federal government. Similarly, illegal aliens who are deportable have no allegiance or enduring tie to the U.S.
"Foreigners here on visas have an allegiance politically and legally to their home countries, not to the U.S. So, the same logic applies to them.
"Further, in the 2008 Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller, the justices defined 'the people' to mean all members of the U.S. political community.
"To be a member of a political community, you must be an eligible voter.
"Illegal immigrants and non-citizens are not eligible voters.
"Let me also point out that the explicit question of whether apportionment must include aliens under our Constitution has never been ruled on by the U.S. Supreme Court.
"Enacting this legislation into law is vitally important to ensuring that the American people receive fair representation in Congress and that they - and only they - determine the outcomes of presidential elections.
"Our lawless immigration system is already shaking the confidence of the American people in countless ways. Without reforms to how our Census is conducted, confidence in the integrity of our electoral system could be eroded entirely in the coming decade.
"My bill is a commonsense solution to a chronic problem impacting the very governance and democracy of this country, and I ask that my colleagues vote in support."
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Original text here: https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-representatives-passes-edwards-bill-only-include-us-citizens
House Transportation Committee Ranking Member Larsen Issues Floor Statement on FAA Extension
WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Washington, ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following floor remarks on May 8, 2024:
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The following are floor remarks, as prepared for delivery, from Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) on House passage of H.R. 8289, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2024, Part II, to extend the authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
I rise in support of H.R. 8289, which extends the authorization of the FAA and its related authorities
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WASHINGTON, May 9 -- Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Washington, ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following floor remarks on May 8, 2024:
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The following are floor remarks, as prepared for delivery, from Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) on House passage of H.R. 8289, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2024, Part II, to extend the authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
I rise in support of H.R. 8289, which extends the authorization of the FAA and its related authoritiesfor one week, to give the Senate the time it needs to wrap up its consideration of this bicameral, bipartisan and comprehensive FAA reauthorization bill.
This legislation, which reflects an agreement between the House and Senate, will protect the safety of the flying public and ensure the future of the U.S. aviation industry.
Think back to last July, the House passed its version of this important bill by a vote of 351-69.
Since then, I am actually pleased with the progress we have made and that we were able to come to an agreement with our Senate counterparts last Sunday.
We have been in close contact with the Senate as they consider the legislation.
This is and will be a bipartisan, bicameral product, and members should not be surprised by what's included in it.
Unfortunately, the Senate is still working through its process and may not be able to send us a bill before the current authorization expires on Friday.
Nonetheless, I want to assure members that Chairman Graves and I fought hard for House Member priorities, and I am very pleased to report that the vast majority remain intact in the final package.
Members, your voices were heard as we worked to address the long-standing issues in our aviation system.
The Senate just needs a little bit more time. I fully expect the Senate to complete consideration and send the FAA Reauthorization of 2024 to the House in the coming days.
With that, I support this short-term extension and urge my colleagues to do the same.
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Original text here: https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-larsen-floor-statement-on-faa-extension
