Category: Uncategorized

February 12, 2025 – Washington, D.C.

During today’s House session, Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) delivered a strong defense of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and denounced efforts by the Trump administration, Elon Musk, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to dismantle it. She warned that eliminating the CFPB would benefit billionaires and corporations at the expense of working-class Americans, particularly those struggling with rising costs and financial exploitation.

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Lee’s Key Arguments: CFPB Protects Working Families

1. The CFPB Has Saved Americans Over $20 Billion

Rep. Lee outlined the critical consumer protections the CFPB has provided since its creation, including:

• Capping overdraft fees and credit card late fees, preventing banks from exploiting working families.
• Suing big banks that engaged in fraudulent and predatory practices, forcing them to compensate affected consumers.
• Recovering over $20 billion from abusive corporations, ensuring that money is returned to Americans instead of lining the pockets of Wall Street executives.

“The CFPB has protected working families for years. It has saved Americans over $20 billion from abusive corporations.”

She argued that eliminating the CFPB would strip these protections away, making it easier for banks and predatory lenders to take advantage of consumers.

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2. Elon Musk and DOGE Are Attacking Consumer Protections

Rep. Lee blasted Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for their role in dismantling the CFPB, calling it an attack on working families in favor of billionaires and big corporations.

“Now Elon Musk and DOGE want to kill it because it’s better for billionaires and big corporations, and not for you.”

She emphasized that removing consumer financial protections does not help ordinary Americans, instead making it easier for financial institutions to impose hidden fees, hike interest rates, and target vulnerable consumers.

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3. The Trump Administration’s Policies Are Hurting Working Americans

Lee also criticized the broader economic policies of the Trump administration, arguing that none of its actions so far have actually lowered costs for working families.

• Inflation and high costs continue to burden Nevadans.
• Financial institutions are poised to exploit consumers if CFPB oversight is removed.
• The administration’s priorities favor corporate profits over affordability for working families.

“None of what the Trump administration has done so far is making life more affordable for working Nevadans.”

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4. A Call to Action: Republicans Must Decide

Lee concluded her speech by urging Americans to demand accountability from Republican lawmakers, warning that they hold the power to stop the CFPB’s dismantling but have so far refused to act.

“If you are concerned about these attacks on working families and attacks on our Constitution itself, I implore you to call your nearest Republican.”

She challenged GOP members of Congress to stand up against the push to eliminate the CFPB and to follow through on their promises to make life more affordable for working Americans.

“Let’s face it, they control Congress, and it’s up to them to stand up and help us stop this unconstitutional power grab.”

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What’s Next?

With House and Senate budget negotiations ongoing, expect continued battles over consumer financial protections, banking regulations, and corporate accountability.

• Will Congress move forward with dismantling the CFPB, or will bipartisan pressure force Republicans to protect it?
• How will Americans react to the removal of consumer protections that have saved them billions?
• Will GOP lawmakers publicly vote on the CFPB’s fate, as Democrats have demanded?

As the fight over consumer protections escalates, Rep. Lee’s speech signals that Democrats will continue pushing back against efforts to weaken financial oversight.

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What Do You Think?

Should the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau be dismantled, or is it a necessary watchdog for working Americans? Share your thoughts in the comments!

During today’s House floor session, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) delivered a speech condemning the expansion of federal agency power during the Biden administration and urging support for the Midnight Rule Relief Act—a bill that would make it easier for Congress to strike down last-minute executive branch regulations.

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Wilson’s Key Points: Fighting Bureaucratic Overreach

1. The Midnight Rule Relief Act

Wilson praised the legislation introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), arguing that it would restore congressional authority over federal regulations.

• The bill would allow Congress to disapprove multiple regulations at once—instead of requiring separate votes for each policy—when those regulations were issued in the last year of a president’s term.
• Wilson argued that the current process for overturning agency rules is too slow, allowing harmful regulations to linger and disrupt economic growth.
• He blamed the Biden administration for expanding executive power at the expense of Congress and the American people.

“Federal agencies were allowed to drastically expand power, undermining the legislative authority of Congress.”

If passed, the Midnight Rule Relief Act would provide Congress with new tools to block regulations that Wilson and other House Republicans argue kill jobs and stifle economic growth.

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2. Job-Killing Regulations and Economic Concerns

Wilson linked government regulations to job losses, arguing that Biden-era policies have hampered economic progress.

• He criticized environmental, labor, and financial regulations, claiming they create red tape that destroys American jobs.
• He called for a return to Trump-era deregulation, saying that the former president’s approach created a stronger economy and more opportunities for American workers.

“This bill will provide Congress with the necessary tools to reject regulations, protecting democracy and creating jobs.”

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3. National Security and Immigration

Wilson also pivoted to national security concerns, tying border security to the risk of terrorism.

• He warned that open borders could allow terrorists to enter the country, citing an FBI warning that the U.S. remains vulnerable to another 9/11-style attack.
• He praised Trump’s national security approach, saying that if re-elected, Trump would reinstate laws to strengthen border protections.

“Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks as warned by the FBI.”

Wilson concluded his remarks with his signature “God bless our troops” statement, reinforcing his support for strong national defense policies.

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What’s Next?

The House is expected to vote on the Midnight Rule Relief Act this week.

• If passed, it could significantly alter how Congress overturns executive regulations, giving lawmakers greater power to quickly roll back last-minute Biden administration rules.
• However, Senate Democrats are likely to oppose the measure, setting up a partisan battle over executive authority and regulatory oversight.

Expect fierce debate between Republicans and Democrats over whether the bill is a needed check on executive overreach or a reckless rollback of important federal protections.

February 12, 2025 – Washington, D.C.

During this morning’s House floor session, Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) delivered a powerful speech addressing two critical issues: the war in Ukraine and the ongoing economic struggles facing American families. She urged Congress and the administration to take decisive action to support Ukraine against Russia while also tackling rising inflation, unaffordable housing, and the skyrocketing costs of basic necessities.

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Defending Ukraine: “The Scrimmage Line for Liberty”

Kaptur reaffirmed her unwavering support for Ukraine, calling it “the scrimmage line for liberty on the continent of Europe”. She condemned Russia’s 11-year war of aggression, emphasizing that Ukraine has been fighting for its survival since 2014 following Putin’s illegal invasion of Crimea.

• She noted that hundreds of thousands of innocent people have died in the conflict.
• The U.S. must continue working with NATO and allied nations to push Russia back within its borders.
• Kaptur welcomed today’s international meeting, where U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and U.S. allies discussed a potential path to ending the war.

“The international community must safeguard Ukraine’s borders, and those negotiations are yet to come.”

She expressed hope that a negotiated peace deal could be reached, but made clear that the U.S. must stand firm in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

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The Economic Reality: Rising Costs Are Squeezing Working Americans

Kaptur then shifted her focus to the economic challenges facing her constituents in Ohio and across the country, highlighting the financial hardships that have made everyday life increasingly unaffordable.

1. Inflation and Rising Costs

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased unexpectedly by 3% last month, worsening the financial pressure on American families.
• Grocery prices continue to surge, with eggs in Ohio now costing between $6.66 and $8 per dozen.
• Gas prices have surpassed $3 per gallon, straining household budgets.
• Property taxes are skyrocketing, making homeownership more difficult for middle-class families and seniors.

“People aren’t just feeling economic pressure, they’re being crushed by it.”

2. Healthcare and Pharmacy Closures

• While some prescription drug prices were lowered under previous Democratic legislation, millions still struggle to afford essential medications.
• Major pharmacy chains are shutting down, leaving entire communities without access to life-saving prescriptions.
• Kaptur criticized Congress for failing to hold hearings on this crisis, demanding action to ensure people can fill their prescriptions without traveling miles away.

“Where are people supposed to go to fill their prescriptions? Why are there no hearings on that here in Congress?”

3. Housing Costs and Financial Struggles

• Rents keep rising, forcing families and seniors to downsize or leave communities they’ve lived in for decades.
• Consumer fraud, credit card scams, and financial exploitation are on the rise, targeting Americans who are already struggling.
• More people are resorting to gambling, taking financial risks they can’t afford just to try and get ahead.

“My district is no stranger to lottery tickets, scratch-offs, casinos. The wheels just turn faster. People taking chances. And in the last election, that’s exactly what they did.”

4. Higher Education Costs Are Driving Young Americans Away

• College tuition is becoming unaffordable for most American families, limiting opportunities for the next generation.
• Kaptur warned that if young people cannot afford to learn, the country’s economic future is in jeopardy.

“If our young people can’t afford to go to school and learn, what does that imply for the future of this country?”

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A Call for Congressional Action

Rep. Kaptur urged Congress and the new administration to prioritize relief for working Americans, not just corporate interests. She called on lawmakers to:

✅ Continue supporting Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty
✅ Address inflation and the rising cost of basic goods
✅ Investigate pharmacy closures and ensure access to prescription drugs
✅ Reduce housing and property tax burdens for families and seniors
✅ Expand access to affordable higher education

“Too many families are overwhelmed with the cost of living. Congress needs to wake up and start fighting for them.”

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What’s Next?

As budget negotiations continue in Congress, expect increased debate over economic policies that could help—or further burden—working Americans.

• Will Congress act to address inflation and the housing crisis?
• How will lawmakers respond to Ukraine’s calls for continued U.S. support?
• Will there be bipartisan efforts to tackle pharmacy closures and prescription drug costs?

Kaptur’s remarks underscore the urgency of these challenges and set the stage for further policy debates in the weeks ahead.

February 12, 2025 – Washington, D.C.

During this morning’s House floor speeches, Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) delivered a forceful denunciation of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) decision to cap indirect cost recapture rates at 15%, arguing that the move threatens America’s biomedical research infrastructure and hands a victory to China. He called on Republicans to oppose the Trump administration’s policy and warned of severe economic and scientific consequences if the change is implemented.

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Key Concerns Raised by Auchincloss

1. NIH Policy Change is “Illegal” and Breaks Bipartisan Commitments

Auchincloss blasted the administration’s move, saying it violates longstanding agreements on research funding.

• In 2017, the Trump administration attempted to lower NIH indirect cost rates to 10%, but a bipartisan congressional vote blocked the effort.
• Since then, the Appropriations Committee has reauthorized the existing rate structure every year, ensuring research institutions could recoup necessary infrastructure costs.
• Auchincloss challenged Republicans, stating:“You voted for this. They are breaking that law you voted for. What are you going to do about it?”

He accused the administration of ignoring legal precedents and acting without congressional approval, setting a dangerous precedent for long-term scientific funding.

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2. The Cuts Will Cripple Research Institutions

Auchincloss explained how the NIH’s new policy will devastate research institutions, particularly universities and hospitals that rely on indirect cost recovery to fund critical operations.

• Indirect costs cover essential research infrastructure, including:
  • Lab space, equipment, and energy costs
  • Support personnel and data management systems
  • Technology needed for genetic engineering, drug development, and clinical trials
• He warned that without adequate funding, research institutions will refuse NIH grants because they cannot afford to take on projects without sufficient operational support.

“We are not in an era of beakers in backyards. We are in an era of cutting-edge genetic engineering, and the equipment costs money.”

If institutions decline NIH grants, the pipeline of new medical discoveries and biotechnology advancements will slow dramatically.

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3. Impact on Massachusetts and National Innovation

Auchincloss highlighted the direct economic and medical consequences for Massachusetts, a global leader in biomedical research, stating that the policy amounts to a $2 billion attack on the state’s research infrastructure.

• Massachusetts’ “Meds & Eds” sector drives billions in economic activity and supports hundreds of thousands of high-paying jobs.
• He underscored breakthroughs that have resulted from NIH-funded research, including:
  • Advances in Alzheimer’s treatment
  • Gestational diabetes therapies
  • A new non-opioid painkiller developed in Massachusetts, offering an alternative to highly addictive substances fueling the opioid crisis.

“The work we do in Massachusetts changes lives.”

However, Auchincloss warned Republicans that these cuts won’t just hurt blue states—they will impact hospitals, universities, and biotech hubs across the country.

“Go back to your districts. Talk to your universities, your hospitals. They don’t want to see this policy go into effect.”

He challenged Republican lawmakers to explain to their own constituents why they are supporting a policy that will undercut research and economic growth in their home states.

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4. China is the Big Winner if the U.S. Cuts Research Funding

Auchincloss issued a stark warning that America’s biotechnology leadership is at risk, citing China’s aggressive investment in biomedical research.

• At the recent JPMorgan Healthcare Conference, two key themes dominated:
  1. Artificial intelligence in biotech, which requires cutting-edge research investment.
  2. China’s rapid rise as a biotech superpower, with tens of billions being poured into life sciences.

Auchincloss warned that China’s biotech sector is celebrating the U.S.’s self-imposed research cuts, saying:

“They cannot believe their luck. We are cutting our own research infrastructure at a time when they are investing tens of billions of dollars.”

This move, he argued, would allow China to outpace the U.S. in medical innovation, leading to lost economic opportunities, weakened global competitiveness, and fewer medical breakthroughs for Americans.

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Auchincloss to GOP: “Wake Up and Stand Up for Science”

Auchincloss urged Republicans to take action, calling on them to push back against the Trump administration’s decision and support basic science funding.

“Republicans, wake up. Stand up. Support basic science.”

He warned that the NIH’s decision won’t just hurt blue states like Massachusetts—it will damage the entire country’s ability to lead in biomedical research, harming both the economy and public health.

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What’s Next?

With House and Senate budget negotiations ongoing, the fate of NIH research funding will be a critical point of debate.

• Will Republicans push back against the administration’s NIH policy, or will they allow the funding cuts to stand?
• Will bipartisan support for biomedical research remain intact, or will political divisions threaten America’s leadership in science and technology?

As the fight over science funding and global competitiveness intensifies, expect more pushback from researchers, universities, and biotech leaders who argue that NIH investment is critical for U.S. innovation and economic strength.

February 12, 2025 – Washington, D.C.

During this morning’s House floor session, Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) delivered a scathing rebuke of House Republicans, accusing them of standing by as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is dismantled, critical health care services are threatened, and cost-of-living spikes hit American families.

Clark’s speech was a direct condemnation of the Trump administration’s reported plans to eliminate the CFPB, a federal agency established in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to protect consumers from financial fraud and abusive corporate practices.

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Clark’s Main Arguments: The GOP is Silent While Americans Suffer

1. The GOP’s Allegiance to Elon Musk, Not the American People

Clark called out Republicans for standing by—or actively cheering on—efforts to dismantle government protections that benefit everyday Americans.

“I’ve been listening to my Republican colleagues, waiting for the moment when they are going to fight for the American people… so far, the silence is deafening.”

She criticized GOP lawmakers for being more concerned with protecting billionaires like Elon Musk than fighting for their own constituents, particularly those struggling with rising costs, medical debt, and financial fraud.

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2. The Importance of the CFPB in Protecting Consumers and Service Members

Clark laid out exactly what’s at stake if the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is dismantled, highlighting key ways the agency has saved Americans billions:

• Cracking down on predatory payday loans – Before the CFPB intervened, a Marine stationed in Texas taking out a $2,000 loan could face a staggering 664% interest rate, resulting in $1,100 in interest alone.
  • Thanks to the CFPB, that interest was capped at $60, saving military families from crippling debt traps.
• Returning $360 million to service members and veterans by enforcing lending laws.
• Eliminating bogus overdraft fees, saving working families $5 billion per year.
• Banning excessive credit card late fees, putting $10 billion back into the pockets of consumers annually.

Clark slammed Republicans for allowing Musk and corporate interests to gut the agency, arguing that doing so only benefits Wall Street and financial predators, while leaving working-class Americans defenseless.

“When Republicans are silent, you are siding with the scam artists.”

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3. The Cost-of-Living Crisis: “Eggs at $8 a Dozen”

Clark also blasted the GOP for ignoring economic realities that everyday Americans are facing:

• Soaring grocery prices, with eggs reaching $8 per dozen in some areas.
• Threats to cancer research funding and veterans’ health care as a result of budget cuts.
• The targeting of public health programs that millions rely on.

She linked these rising costs to GOP-backed policies, suggesting that their loyalty to billionaires and corporations has come at the expense of everyday families.

“The American people did not vote for more scams, for more corporate greed. They didn’t vote to have our service members go into more debt.”

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Clark’s Challenge to the GOP: “Wake Up” and Vote Publicly

Clark ended her speech with a direct challenge to her Republican colleagues:

“Let’s wake up, GOP. Stand up for the American people.”

She echoed Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s earlier demand that if Republicans want to dismantle the CFPB, they should hold a public vote on it, rather than allowing Elon Musk and corporate allies to make these decisions behind the scenes.

“Apparently Republicans in Congress would rather have that money go into the pockets of CEOs than fight fraud and corporate abuse.”

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What’s Next?

With House and Senate budget negotiations underway, the fate of the CFPB, education funding, and consumer protections will likely be key points of contention in the coming weeks.

February 12, 2025 – Washington, D.C.

During this morning’s House floor speeches, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) delivered a fiery denunciation of the Trump administration’s reported plans to abolish the Department of Education and shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). She characterized these efforts as an attack on working-class families, students, and vulnerable communities, and called on her Republican colleagues to vote publicly on these proposals rather than allowing Elon Musk and private interests to dismantle key institutions behind the scenes.

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Tlaib’s Key Concerns: The Future of Public Education

Rep. Tlaib warned that the abolition of the Department of Education (DOE) would have devastating consequences for millions of American students, particularly low-income families, students with disabilities, and communities of color.

1. Title I Funding for Low-Income Schools at Risk

• Title I grants provide billions in funding for schools serving economically disadvantaged students.
• Without DOE oversight, these funds could be eliminated or mismanaged, disproportionately harming cities like Detroit, Southfield, Dearborn, and Livonia.

2. Special Education and Civil Rights Protections Could Disappear

• Programs that serve students with disabilities, including those with autism and learning disorders, are administered by the Department of Education.
• Without federal oversight, Tlaib argued, states could neglect or defund these programs, leaving vulnerable children without necessary support.
• The DOE is also responsible for enforcing civil rights laws in education, ensuring that LGBTQ+ students, students of color, and those with disabilities are protected from discrimination.

3. Attacks on Curriculum and History Education

Tlaib criticized efforts to “whitewash Black history” in schools, saying that eliminating the DOE would accelerate these efforts.

“We also know that states across the country want to whitewash Black history, as if Black history is not American history.”

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Defending the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Beyond education, Tlaib also slammed efforts to dismantle the CFPB, an agency created in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to protect consumers from financial fraud and predatory lending practices.

1. CFPB Protects Consumers from Financial Scams

• The CFPB has recovered $21 billion in stolen funds from banks and corporations that cheated consumers.
• The agency has been instrumental in capping credit card late fees, eliminating junk fees, and removing medical debt from credit reports.
• Without the CFPB, financial predators would operate unchecked, she warned.

2. Mortgage and Loan Fraud Protections Would Be Eliminated

• The CFPB is where Americans call when they experience mortgage fraud, payday loan scams, or unfair debt collection practices.
• Tlaib said that abolishing the agency would be a gift to Wall Street and corporate interests, allowing financial predators to “run wild” while working-class families pay the price.

3. Elon Musk’s Role in Dismantling Consumer Protections

Tlaib accused Elon Musk and Project 2025 of being behind the effort to dismantle both the DOE and CFPB, arguing that billionaires want to protect themselves, not the American people.

“President Trump’s minion, Elon Musk, wants to steal hard-earned money from the working class to reward billionaire donors and CEOs.”

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A Call for Transparency: “Vote on It”

Tlaib repeatedly challenged House Republicans to hold a public vote on these proposed agency eliminations rather than allowing private interests to dictate policy behind the scenes.

“If you want to do it, then the American people deserve to see how you vote. Will you leave our children behind or not?”

She pledged to vote against the elimination of both the DOE and CFPB, emphasizing that her constituents rely on these agencies for education funding and financial protections.

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What’s Next?

With House and Senate budget bills currently in markup, the fate of the Department of Education and the CFPB may become a major legislative battle in the coming weeks.

• Will Congress move forward with defunding these agencies, or will Democrats and some moderate Republicans push back?
• Will there be a public vote, as Tlaib demands, or will changes happen through executive action and budget negotiations?

Expect more heated debates as these issues come to the forefront of the 2025 budget showdown.

February 12, 2025 – Washington, D.C.

During this morning’s House floor speeches, Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) delivered a passionate critique of federal water and land management policies, arguing that government overreach and last-minute regulations have devastated California’s water supply, agriculture, and forestry practices. His remarks focused on dam removals, mismanaged flood control, and restrictive land policies that he claims are harming the people of California and the broader Western U.S..

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Key Issues Raised by Rep. LaMalfa

1. Dam Removals Have Devastated Fish Populations

LaMalfa strongly criticized the removal of dams on the Klamath River, calling it a disaster for fish populations and an environmental failure.

• He argued that officials pushed “faulty fake data” to justify dam removals, claiming they would improve fish passage and water quality.
• Instead, he stated that the result has been “thousands of dead fish and other wildlife”, largely due to massive silt deposits released from behind the dams.
• The loss of hydroelectric power from these dam removals has also worsened energy security in the region.

“We warned them about this… The silt behind those dams has been flowing down the Klamath ever since, causing massive fish kills and other wildlife deaths.”

2. Water Mismanagement is Leading to Flooding and Drought

LaMalfa also slammed federal water policy, particularly the Army Corps of Engineers’ “hair-trigger approach” to dumping water from California’s reservoirs rather than storing it for future use.

• He pointed out that officials are currently releasing water from Shasta Dam, even though there’s still ample storage capacity (600,000–700,000 acre-feet available).
• The result? Unnecessary flooding in parts of Redding and Glenn County while California fails to capture water that could be used in the next drought cycle.
• He also criticized outdated weather forecasting models that do not account for modern climate patterns, leading to wasteful and inefficient water management.

“We’re dumping water instead of conserving it. The people of Southern California are waking up to this disaster as they watch their water supply disappear due to mismanagement.”

3. Federal Land Restrictions Are Fueling Wildfires

LaMalfa shifted to land management policies, blasting the Biden administration’s last-minute national monument designations as a direct threat to wildfire prevention efforts.

• He revealed that 250,000 acres in his Northern California district were placed under federal protection, restricting forest thinning, firebreak creation, and land management efforts.
• He warned that this will lead to more devastating wildfires, similar to the million-acre fires that have ravaged California in recent years.

“The Forest Service signs used to say ‘Land of Many Uses’—now it’s ‘Land You Can’t Use’ thanks to last-minute executive orders.”

4. Calling for Congressional Review of Federal Overreach

LaMalfa urged Congress to take back control from unelected bureaucrats, advocating for the use of the Congressional Review Act to overturn last-minute regulations that were enacted without legislative oversight.

• He specifically targeted the Antiquities Act, which presidents have used to declare vast national monuments without input from Congress.
• He called for greater transparency and legislative involvement in environmental and water policy to prevent more “stroke-of-the-pen” disasters.

“Regulations should be made in the light of day, where the American people can see what’s happening—not by the stroke of a pen in a backroom.”

February 12, 2025 – Washington, D.C.

During this morning’s House floor speeches, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) strongly defended the Biden administration’s appointment of Elon Musk as a Special Government Employee (SGE) under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Her remarks came in response to growing criticism from Democratic lawmakers and other officials who argue that Musk’s unelected and unaccountable status raises serious concerns about government oversight.

Miller-Meeks Calls Out Double Standards

In her speech, Miller-Meeks pushed back on claims that Musk’s role lacks accountability, pointing out that many government employees wield massive power without being elected or directly accountable to voters. She compared Musk’s appointment to other high-profile unelected bureaucrats, stating:

• Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the nation’s pandemic response and enforced public health mandates, was never elected yet made sweeping decisions affecting millions of Americans.
• Lois Lerner, former IRS official, was accused of targeting conservative groups by denying them 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, yet faced little accountability.
• The anonymous leaker of the Dobbs decision exposed a Supreme Court draft ruling, a move that Miller-Meeks argued was politically motivated and went unpunished.

She criticized her Democratic colleagues for only expressing outrage when accountability efforts threaten their control over the government.

Musk’s Role in DOGE: Transparency vs. Secrecy

Miller-Meeks emphasized that Musk’s work within DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency) is entirely public-facing, unlike other bureaucratic actions that often happen behind closed doors.

“Elon Musk was hired by the President of the United States or brought on to uncover waste, fraud, and abuse. That’s it. Every move being made by him and DOGE is being made in the public eye as an audit—not in the shadows.”

She argued that the real issue at hand is not accountability, but rather the fear among entrenched government figures that Musk and DOGE could expose corruption and systemic inefficiencies.

Partisan Divide Over Musk’s Appointment

Democratic lawmakers have raised serious concerns about Musk’s lack of public sector experience and potential conflicts of interest, particularly given his ownership of companies with government contracts, including SpaceX and Tesla.

Critics claim that placing a billionaire with immense corporate influence in a government watchdog role creates ethical risks, especially when Musk has been a vocal opponent of many federal regulatory agencies.

However, Republicans and government efficiency advocates argue that Musk’s outsider status makes him the perfect candidate to expose waste, bureaucratic bloat, and inefficiencies that long-time Washington insiders would rather ignore.

What’s Next?

With the House and Senate both working on budget bills, scrutiny over government spending is at an all-time high. Musk’s DOGE audits are expected to dig deeper into federal agencies, potentially uncovering waste, fraud, and abuse that could reshape future spending decisions.

As the debate over Musk’s Special Government Employee status continues, the larger battle over transparency and government efficiency is only just beginning.

February 12, 2025 – Washington, D.C.

As budget negotiations heat up, House Republicans have introduced a budget proposal that includes a $4 trillion increase to the federal debt ceiling. The move signals a strategic shift in GOP fiscal policy, as Republicans typically resist debt ceiling increases without corresponding spending cuts. However, this proposal comes with major spending reductions in key areas to offset future debt growth.

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Key Provisions of the House Budget Bill

1. $4 Trillion Debt Ceiling Increase

The proposal would extend U.S. borrowing authority by $4 trillion, ensuring the federal government avoids a potential default crisis while allowing time for long-term spending reforms.

2. Major Spending Cuts

To balance the increase in borrowing, the House budget targets federal spending reductions, including:

• Capping discretionary spending at lower levels than previous years
• Overhauling entitlement programs to slow the growth of Medicare and Medicaid
• Scaling back federal agency budgets to reduce bureaucratic waste
• Rolling back recent spending increases in education and energy sectors

3. Increased Defense Spending

Despite deep domestic cuts, the House GOP is proposing a significant boost in defense funding, citing national security concerns and the need to counter global threats from China, Russia, and Iran.

4. Tax Reforms to Encourage Growth

The bill includes corporate and individual tax adjustments aimed at stimulating economic investment and job creation, though details remain scarce.

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What Comes Next?

🔹 Senate Pushback Expected – Senate Democrats, who are crafting their own budget bill, are unlikely to support a large debt ceiling increase without new revenue measures (such as tax hikes on high earners and corporations).

🔹 Debt Ceiling Fight on the Horizon – Raising the debt limit has historically been a contentious issue, with previous showdowns leading to market instability and government shutdown threats.

🔹 Negotiations and Possible Compromise – While the House bill is unlikely to pass the Senate in its current form, it sets the stage for a high-stakes negotiation over spending cuts, tax policies, and federal borrowing authority.

With both parties deeply divided on fiscal policy, the next few weeks will be critical in determining the fate of government spending and U.S. debt policy.

February 12, 2025 – Washington, D.C.

Both the House and Senate have begun the markup process for their respective budget bills, setting the stage for a contentious battle over federal spending priorities. With Republicans controlling the House and Democrats narrowly holding the Senate, the two chambers are expected to clash on key funding provisions, deficit reduction strategies, and major policy riders.

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Key Differences Between the House and Senate Budgets

House Budget: GOP’s Focus on Spending Cuts and Deficit Reduction

House Republicans are pushing for deep spending cuts, focusing on reducing the national debt, curbing wasteful government programs, and cutting discretionary spending. Early reports suggest their budget will:

✅ Cap non-defense discretionary spending at lower levels
✅ Increase defense spending to counter China and other threats
✅ Overhaul entitlement programs to slow spending growth
✅ Reduce funding for federal agencies viewed as overly bureaucratic
✅ Implement tax reforms aimed at encouraging investment

Republicans argue that their budget is necessary to reign in reckless federal spending and reduce inflationary pressures on the economy.

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Senate Budget: Democrats’ Investment in Social Programs and Infrastructure

Senate Democrats are crafting a budget that prioritizes investments in social programs, healthcare, and infrastructure while maintaining key entitlement funding. Their framework reportedly includes:

✅ Expanded healthcare funding, particularly for Medicaid and ACA subsidies
✅ Significant investments in infrastructure and clean energy
✅ Increased education spending, including college affordability programs
✅ Targeted tax increases on corporations and high earners to offset costs
✅ Preservation of social safety nets, including Medicare and Social Security

Democrats argue that economic growth and middle-class stability depend on targeted investments rather than broad spending cuts.

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What’s Next?

🔹 Markup Process Begins – Both the House and Senate committees will now debate, amend, and finalize their respective budget bills before sending them to the floor for a vote.

🔹 Potential Showdown Over Reconciliation – If the two chambers pass drastically different budgets, a conference committee will need to negotiate a compromise.

🔹 Government Shutdown Threat? – If no agreement is reached by the end of the fiscal year, the risk of spending fights and a possible government shutdown looms.

With deep partisan divides shaping the budget process, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the federal government’s funding priorities for the next fiscal year.