News
March 12, 2019
For more than 60 years, the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice has been a shining example to our nation. It has fought for marginalized communities, protected basic rights, and ensured justice for all communities. In communities of color, the Civil Rights Division holds a place of reverence that is well earned through a record of achievement. The mission of the division is essential to ensuring that ALL Americans receive equal protection under the law.
March 12, 2019
The Related Agencies title is the smallest section of the bill but has a great impact on our country’s history and our Veterans. Frankly, I am disappointed and concerned to see that once again each of your Agencies is flat funded in the President’s Budget.
I am concerned that we aren’t keeping up with the maintenance needs of the American Battle Monuments around the world, which honor our fallen servicemembers.
March 12, 2019
Intercity passenger rail moves millions of Americans every year, and it serves as an economic engine for rural and urban communities.
Rail service, when running smoothly, offers passengers an extremely attractive travel option compared to car and aviation alternatives, especially over short and medium distances.
March 12, 2019
We have a duty to be examining predatory for-profit colleges. One, because this subcommittee is charged with oversight of the Department of Education. Two, because we fund the Pell grant program. And, for-profit colleges receive nearly 14% of all Pell Grant funding. Last year, the University of Phoenix was the largest recipient of Pell Grants—not just among for-profits but all colleges and universities (they received more than $200 million). Phoenix has committed a number of violations, including deceptive or unfair targeting of military veterans in the advertising, marketing or sale of products or services. As a result, the Department of Defense suspended the University of Phoenix’s ability to recruit on U.S. military bases and its access to Title IV funds.
So, it is our responsibility in this arena to be sure we shine a light on those bad actors, who seek to scam students and taxpayers, and thereby block that door to education.
March 11, 2019
“The President’s announcement to spend up to $6.725 billion in additional funding for construction of a border wall or barrier came at the end of bipartisan negotiations on an agreed-to funding level of $1.375 billion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 for border security,” the letter states. “However, important budgetary details of the plan have not yet been provided, including the specific funding sources and additional authorities that would be used and the programs, projects, and activities from which funds would be diverted.”
March 11, 2019
“President Trump has somehow managed to produce a budget request even more untethered from reality than his past two. This irresponsible proposal slashes investments in America’s working families to unworkable budget cap levels, resulting in cuts of 9 percent to programs like early childhood education, job training, law enforcement, safe drinking water, and scientific and medical research. The recklessness of the Trump budget is underscored by its inclusion of $8.6 billion in border wall funding, an egregious waste of money that does nothing to make our country safer. Moreover, the use of a massive budgetary gimmick to hide the true cost of his defense spending request should outrage everyone who claims to care about fiscal responsibility."
March 8, 2019
“While the President has issued a national emergency proclamation, our committees are still responsible for performing their constitutional oversight responsibilities,” the lawmakers wrote. “As such, given the speed with which we believe the Department of Defense may be acting in response to the emergency proclamation, we request that you produce the request documents and information no later than March 21, 2019.”
Issues:Military Construction, VA
March 7, 2019
"Whether you are here in Washington or in the comfort of your own home, you can watch Congress and the executive branch in action on C-SPAN. This is an important part of making our nation’s legislative and executive branch open and transparent to all Americans. But one government institution remains closed to the public eye – the U.S. Supreme Court."
Issues:Financial Services
March 7, 2019
"As the energy sector evolves to include more sustainable forms of energy, as our nuclear security needs also grow, and as more Americans retire, it is paramount that today’s energy workforce transitions to meet new opportunities, and that we build the 'workforce of tomorrow.'"
Issues:Energy and Water
Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz Statement at Hearing on VA Whole Health, Mental Health and Homelessness
March 7, 2019
"Effectively supporting the mental health of our veterans is one of my highest priorities on this subcommittee. Effective and robust mental health programs must be available to all veterans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or we will continue to fail our veterans and our country."
Issues:Military Construction, VA