Steny Hoyer

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the September jobs report: “The September jobs report, which shows that just 29,000 jobs were added to the economy last month and that unemployment ticked up to 4.2%, reflects the uncertainty Americans feel toward the job market and the economy as this Administration’s economic policies do little to address the tough challenges they face every day. For many, the American Dream is feeling farther out of reach as mortgage rates and inflation rise and real wages fall. Across the country, a lack of affordable housing is driving young people out of other communities, and prices for gas, diesel, and groceries continue to climb. However, President Trump still characterizes the affordability crisis as ‘fake,’ and Republicans in Congress have only made it worse.“The verdict is clear: this Administration does not put working Americans first. Republicans in Congress are failing to deliver on affordability, instead fixated on President Trump’s war of choice with Iran, which has forced Americans to spend $100 billion more on fuel. If returned to the Majority, Democrats are ready to address the affordability crisis and will fight to ensure that our government of the people and by the people always works for the people.”

The American Procurement Improvement Act (APIA) now has 60 endorsements from across the disability community! Their support is critical to modernizing Ability One. We'll keep working together to move the APIA through Congress before the end of the year. https://t.co/uubasRV7Mu

With only +29,000 jobs & unemployment at 4.2%, the September jobs report does little to dispel the uncertainty Americans feel toward the economy. Trump's economic policies continue to push working families farther away from reaching the American dream, & it's more clear than ever that it's time to switch course. https://t.co/nJ1PnxetBV

@DemMaj4Israel’s new framework is a serious & thoughtful approach to promoting lasting peace & further normalization between Israel & its neighbors. I commend them for their leadership in strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship and will continue supporting their work to maintain our engagement in the region.

I’m greatly relieved that all the passengers on flyDubai1073 are safe, and I applaud Captain Smit Machchhar of India and the many Israelis who displayed such heroism in preventing what could have been a horrible tragedy. Their brave action saved countless lives, and I wish for their continued safety as today’s events are thoroughly investigated. My thanks to those in Saudi Arabia as well for their warmth, hospitality, and professionalism in dealing with this emergency.

It is increasingly clear that Republicans in Congress have not delivered on the biggest challenge facing working families: affordability. Democrats have proven that we can deliver on affordability & are willing to work across the aisle to achieve it. Read more from my op-ed with @thehill here: https://t.co/yCBOohNxbR

Due to a power outage at the Potomac Water Filtration Plant, @WSSCWaterNews has requested customers in Prince George's & Montgomery Counties to use water for essential purposes only. Water is still safe to drink, however Marylanders in the impacted regions are advised to restrict their water use. Learn more here: https://t.co/S25L8MF9Ol

LIHEAP helps over 6M households across the nation afford their energy bills & manage rising costs due to Trump's war of choice in Iran. My colleagues & I call on Sec. Kennedy to distribute critical LIHEAP funding & reinstate the staff who ensure the program's success in assisting American families. https://t.co/DE9UuWtzVK

The APIA has received endorsements from a coalition of over 50 organizations, unions, & advocacy groups. I look forward to partnering with stakeholders across the disability community to modernize AbilityOne and move this bill through Congress before the end of the year. Let's do this!

The law is clear: you cannot use taxpayer dollars for political advertisements. Trump's ad is an egregious and utterly illegal misuse of Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars. This ad must immediately be taken off the air, and those responsible must be appropriately reprimanded for this violation. https://t.co/FaxwUgkWbf

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation held a meeting at the United States Capitol to discuss their work on a range of issues relating to the Port of Baltimore, including its infrastructure needs, long-term stability, and growth. During the meeting, the lawmakers heard from Port leadership and stakeholders about upcoming modernization projects, investments, general workforce updates, and more. The Port of Baltimore generates $70 billion annually in economic impacts to Maryland, and 273,000 total jobs in Maryland are connected to the Port. Video of the members’ press availability following the meeting is available here. “The Port of Baltimore has always been a mighty force in job creation and economic growth in our state. I was glad to meet with the Maryland Congressional Delegation, Maryland Port Administration leadership, and local Port leaders to discuss the significant economic development accomplishments and opportunities for our nation's exports out of Baltimore. Investing in our infrastructure and transportation systems at the Port will improve shipping capacity, competitiveness, and business opportunities for the communities across Maryland that depend on the port. The delegation will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to secure the investments needed to strengthen the Port of Baltimore, grow our economy, and create jobs here in Maryland and across the country,” said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05)“Maryland is a leading hub for trade and commerce – and the Port of Baltimore is a key part of our success, generating thousands of jobs and bolstering our economy. Yesterday’s meeting was a great opportunity for Team Maryland to come together with Port leadership and key stakeholders to discuss our past efforts and plan for how we will build on those efforts for the future of the Port. Working alongside state and local partners, we will keep fighting to deliver resources and support so communities across Maryland reap the benefits of a strong and vibrant Port,” said Senator Van Hollen (D-MD).“The Port is more than just the pride of Baltimore. It’s a state treasure, and it’s an economic engine for the nation and the rest of the world. Our support for Baltimore and the Port remains strong, because a strong Port makes us better, makes our economy stronger, and makes us more sustainable. We have to continue looking at every opportunity to invest in this economic engine that consumers, businesses, workers, and economies worldwide depend on. And I look forward to working with Team Maryland on Capitol Hill to continue fighting for the resources that keep us on the cutting edge,” said Senator Alsobrooks (D-MD).“The Port of Baltimore is a booming economic gateway for the Free State and the nation,” said Congressman Raskin (MD-08). “While President Trump’s chaotic and costly trade war and tariffs have reduced imports, Team Maryland will continue fighting for the federal funding needed to keep the port an accessible, attractive destination for the largest cargo ships and create more high-paying union jobs.”“The Port of Baltimore has been able to survive ups and downs of the economy for over 100 years. Now, the President’s economic strategy that prioritizes tariffs over jobs is adding additional hardship. The President’s ongoing, illegal war in Iran is driving up the cost to ship everything, which directly impacts our port and our economy. But Team Maryland will be able to overcome that. We're in Washington and working together to deliver, not just for the Port, not just for the 2,400 Longshoremen who work in the Port, but for our economy and state as a whole,” said Congresswoman Elfreth (MD-03). “To write the future of the Port of Baltimore, we will be taking inspiration from what once was – back to the Baltimore clippers and the hundreds of Liberty ships built during World War II. It is time for Maryland to lead in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing once again.” “Investing in the Port of Baltimore isn’t just about concrete, cranes, and cargo — it’s about investing in people,” said Congressman Olszewski (MD-02). “Two and a half years after the Key Bridge collapse, we have a responsibility to rebuild stronger and keep investing in the infrastructure that makes the Port a national economic asset. When we prioritize the Port, we are prioritizing jobs, families, and the future of Maryland.”

https://t.co/ztNgd9ouv1

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Andy Harris (MD-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) announced $8,627,091 in federal funding to strengthen security at 49 religious institutions and community centers across Maryland. “The Nonprofit Security Grant Program has become an essential tool for protecting our houses of worship, schools, community centers, and early-childhood programs. With the alarming rise in antisemitism and other forms of hate, it is critical that everyone feels safe when gathering with their communities and congregations. I’m proud that Team Maryland was able to secure this funding, and I will continue working with our delegation to push for further federal support for nonprofit security,” said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05). “Every Marylander deserves to be able to exercise their right to religious freedom and worship without fear for their safety. Our faith institutions also help build community in many ways, from providing spiritual services to offering youth programs to supporting local families. As that work continues, we have also seen an appalling increase in threats against faith-based organizations across the state, and we know that more federal funding and reforms are necessary to meet the growing security measures needed to keep community members safe. We will continue working to increase funds for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and to see that these investments go where they are needed most, in light of recent changes to this program,” said Senator Van Hollen (D-MD). “All Marylanders deserve to feel safe in their homes, schools, communities – and especially in places of worship. It was critical that Team Maryland fight to secure over $8 million in federal funding to strengthen security at religious centers in our state. And I won’t stop fighting until all Marylanders feel and are safe,” said Senator Alsobrooks (D-MD). “No matter what your faith or religion is every American should feel safe and secure in their ability to worship peacefully,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). “With this injection of over $8 million in Federal funding, dozens of faith-based institutions across Maryland will be able to improve their security systems and protocols, ensuring that houses of worship remain sanctuaries for practitioners of all beliefs.” “Marylanders should be able to practice their faith without worrying about their safety. This funding will improve security at religious institutions across the First District, from Harford County to the Eastern Shore. Thank you to President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security for helping Maryland’s religious organizations improve security and protect our communities,” said Congressman Harris (MD-01). “Amidst an alarming increase in antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of toxic hate, Team Maryland is surging more than $8.6 million in federal Nonprofit Security Grants to protect our people,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08). “No American should become a target of senseless violence and intimidation, especially in their house of worship.” “Every Marylander should be able to worship and gather without fear,” said Congressman Ivey (MD-04). “Team Maryland fought together to secure this federal funding so that faith communities across our state have the resources they need to strengthen security and protect the people they serve. I’m proud of our delegation’s work to deliver these investments and help keep Marylanders safe.” “Marylanders of all faiths deserve to both be safe and feel safe in their houses of worship. Since coming to Congress, I have continued to prioritize increased security funding for nonprofit and religious institutions – both in Washington in the budget and through our Interfaith Advisory Council – which is why it is so great to join Team Maryland in announcing this $8 million in federal funding for 49 houses of worship, religious institutions, and community centers across our state. Especially as religious institutions spend more and more on security and the number of hate crimes continues to rise, Congress has an important responsibility to ensure the safety of all of our neighbors,” said Congresswoman Elfreth (MD-03). “Whether you are walking into a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or community center, you should never have to fear for your safety. Freedom of religion means the freedom to worship without fear. This $8.6 million investment will help 49 institutions across Maryland strengthen security and protect the communities they serve. I’ll keep working with Team Maryland to ensure our faith communities have the resources they need to keep people safe,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney (MD-06). “Our faith communities are critical community anchors and bring so many Marylanders together,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). “This funding gives 49 religious institutions and community centers across our state the resources they need to worship, learn, and gather without fear. Team Maryland will keep fighting to make sure our houses of worship have what they need to stay safe.” A full list of the recipients, selected by the Department of Homeland Security, is below: Southern Maryland Camp St. Charles Inc. Crossroads Christian Center, Inc. Montgomery & Prince George’s Counties Chabad Lubavitch of Bowie Maryland Inc Chabad Lubavitch of Upper Montgomery County Inc. Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (Lower School) Congregation B'nai Tzedek Covenant Life Church (7501) Covenant Life School (7503) Covenant Life School/Church (7505) Greater Praise and Deliverance Tabernacle Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, Inc. Israel on Campus Coalition, Inc. Imadi Kehilat Pardes Kingdom Full Tabernacle International Ministries Life Changing Christian Center McLean Bible Church (Montgomery) North Brentwood AME Zion Church The Guru Gobind Singh Foundation Trust Inc The Sierra Leone Muslim Jamaat, Inc. (3305) Tikvat Israel Congregation Western Maryland B'er Chayim Congregation Beth Sholom Congregation of Frederick, MD Broadfording Bible Brethren Church Broadfording Bible Brethren Church DBA Global Vision Christian School Broadfording (Main Campus) Broadfording Bible Brethren Church DBA Global Vision Christian School Broadfording (West Campus) Camp Airy Camp Louise Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church Baltimore Area Arundel Christian Church Beth Tfiloh Congregation dba Beth Tfiloh Camps Cecil Memorial United Methodist Church Chabad of Greengate Maryland Inc. Chabad of Harford County, Inc. Congregation Kneseth Israel Hebrew School of the Performing Arts, Inc. Immaculate Heart of Mary School Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Jewels Therapy Clinic John Carroll School Inc. Redemption City Church Baltimore Safe Green Transit Corporation Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church Talmudical Academy of Baltimore Inc. The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen The Greek Orthodox Cemetery West Baltimore United Methodist Church Eastern Shore Lighthouse Christian Academy The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps high-risk nonprofits, including faith-based institutions, obtain the resources required to support and integrate preparedness activities with broader state and local efforts. The lawmakers fought to fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program at $300 million through the Fiscal Year 2026 annual appropriations package, an increase from $274.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement regarding the nearly 15% increase for unsubsidized individual Maryland marketplace health insurance plans in 2027: “Donald Trump and Republicans ran in 2024 on addressing inflation and bringing costs down. They misled American families. Costs are only going up - and faster - because of their policies. We’re now seeing that reflected in health-insurance premiums for coverage through the state health-care exchanges. In Maryland, even though our state officials are doing everything possible to keep costs down, premiums for unsubsidised plans are rising an average of 14.6% for 2027. This is a direct result of Republicans’ decision to remove eligibility, permit ACA subsidies to lapse, and allow critical tax credits to expire. “Democrats are fighting to lower costs for health care, groceries, consumer goods, gas, and diesel. It’s clear that the Republicans who are in control of Congress have failed to do so, and it is time to change course.”

https://t.co/Gc8q7JYtow

https://t.co/rVJBzVrfHX

@ExpandWorkforce https://t.co/1xUk2CrAsp

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) were joined by U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), in calling for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden and United States Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz to reverse course on the decision to close the USFS Baltimore Field Office and relocate staff outside of Baltimore. The USFS Baltimore Urban Field Station leads forestry-related projects that benefit the local Baltimore community and conducts important forestry and urban ecology research that informs land use decision-making throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and beyond. The lawmakers pose several questions to USDA and USFS around the decision, which comes after Senator Van Hollen questioned Chief Tom Schultz in the Senate Appropriations Committee and received commitment to maintain presence in Baltimore. The lawmakers begin, “On April 30, 2026, during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the United States Forest Service (USFS) FY27 budget, Chief Schultz assured Senator Van Hollen that USFS would not force Baltimore Urban Field Office employees to relocate outside of the Baltimore area during the USDA reorganization. Despite this commitment, when USFS announced earlier this month that the Baltimore Urban Field Office will close, we learned that USFS intends to relocate Baltimore employees to Beltsville, Maryland – a location that is decidedly outside of the broader Baltimore area. USFS must make good on its word and keep Baltimore Urban Field Office employees in Baltimore so they can effectively continue their place-based and partnership-dependent work in the Baltimore area.” On the critical benefits for keeping the Baltimore Urban Field Office in the Baltimore area, the lawmakers write, “When Secretary Rollins announced the USDA reorganization, one of the stated pillars of the plan was to ‘bring USDA closer to its customers.’ Closing the Baltimore Field Office and relocating employees away from Baltimore violates this core principle, since the primary ‘customers’ of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office are in Baltimore; they are the community groups, local government, and academics with whom the Field Office has developed partnerships and collaborations during its nearly 40-year tenure on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. These relationships have enabled important research projects that benefit the Chesapeake Bay watershed and regional forests, as well as urban forestry projects in the Baltimore community. For example, the Office supports community-led restoration and urban revitalization efforts in Baltimore by leading the Baltimore Urban Waters Partnership. It delivers professional skill building and workforce training to urban youth in Baltimore by supporting youth forestry projects at the Stillmeadow Church and Peace Park. And it started an urban wood reuse project that successfully spun off into a city-run urban sawmill and wood recycling center.” Among other questions, the lawmakers go on to ask the following: Did USDA or USFS conduct an analysis of the costs and benefits associated with closing the Baltimore Urban Field Office as compared to keeping them in the current location? Has USDA or USFS assessed the impact that closure of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office and relocation of employees outside of the Baltimore area will have on the important work that the Baltimore Urban Field Office has been conducting? “The Baltimore location is critical to the ability of the Baltimore Urban Field Office to successfully accomplish its place-based and partnership-driven work. This work not only benefits the Baltimore community but serves as a model for urban forestry work in cities across the country and the world. The Baltimore Urban Field Office is an asset to the nation and its closure serves no one. Keep your word and keep the work of the Baltimore Urban Forestry Office in Baltimore.” the lawmakers conclude. The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Deputy Secretary Vaden and Chief Schultz, On April 30, 2026, during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the United States Forest Service (USFS) FY27 budget, Chief Schultz assured Senator Van Hollen that USFS would not force Baltimore Urban Field Office employees to relocate outside of the Baltimore area during the USDA reorganization. Despite this commitment, when USFS announced earlier this month that the Baltimore Urban Field Office will close, we learned that USFS intends to relocate Baltimore employees to Beltsville, Maryland – a location that is decidedly outside of the broader Baltimore area. USFS must make good on its word and keep Baltimore Urban Field Office employees in Baltimore so they can effectively continue their place-based and partnership-dependent work in the Baltimore area. When Secretary Rollins announced the USDA reorganization, one of the stated pillars of the plan was to “bring USDA closer to its customers.” Closing the Baltimore Field Office and relocating employees away from Baltimore violates this core principle, since the primary “customers” of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office are in Baltimore; they are the community groups, local government, and academics with whom the Field Office has developed partnerships and collaborations during its nearly 40-year tenure on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. These relationships have enabled important research projects that benefit the Chesapeake Bay watershed and regional forests, as well as urban forestry projects in the Baltimore community. For example, the Office supports community-led restoration and urban revitalization efforts in Baltimore by leading the Baltimore Urban Waters Partnership. It delivers professional skill building and workforce training to urban youth in Baltimore by supporting youth forestry projects at the Stillmeadow Church and Peace Park. And it started an urban wood reuse project that successfully spun off into a city-run urban sawmill and wood recycling center. USDA has continually failed to respond to basic questions about the Department’s decision-making during the reorganization process. This includes a failure to answer the questions included in the letter sent to you opposing the closure of the Baltimore Urban Field Office from April 24, 2026, such as whether a cost-benefit analysis has been conducted to understand the true costs to the American taxpayer of closing this facility. This lack of transparency is particularly disturbing when USDA maintains that the reorganization is meant to save money. To add to this concern, there are clearly other suitable federal facilities for these employees in the Baltimore area. For example, there is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) facility that is located across the street from the Baltimore Urban Field Office that has the capacity to accommodate USFS employees - a facility that Chief Schultz mentioned during the April 30th hearing. The availability of other Baltimore locations to house the Baltimore Urban Field Office make it extremely difficult to understand why the Field Office’s employees would need to be relocated outside of Baltimore, where it will be harder for them to effectively do their jobs and maintain critical partnerships in the community that this Field Office exists to serve. In addition, while Beltsville may fall within the range of the Forest Service’s expansive definition the Baltimore “commuting area,” despite being well outside of the Baltimore area, relocating Field Office employees to Beltsville realistically means commutes of 2 hours or more for Baltimore-based employees who rely on public transit. This will keep employees away from their families for longer and create an additional cost burden for them – stressors that stand to decrease overall employee productivity and harm employee retention. We urge you to keep your word and reverse course on the decision to relocate USFS Baltimore Field Office employees outside of Baltimore. In addition, please provide answers to the following questions by October 1, 2026: Did USDA or USFS conduct an analysis of the costs and benefits associated with closing the Baltimore Urban Field Office as compared to keeping them in the current location? a. If so, please provide that analysis, including details on the alternative locations that were considered for Baltimore Field Office employees. Has USDA or USFS assessed the impact that closure of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office and relocation of employees outside of the Baltimore area will have on the important work that the Baltimore Urban Field Office has been conducting? b.If so, please explain in detail how the assessment was conducted and what the findings were. Did USDA or USFS assess the feasibility of co-locating the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Office with the nearby USGS facility that Chief Schultz referenced in the April 30th hearing? Will employees still be able and expected to work on the ground in Baltimore? If so, how will employee productivity be impacted by the relocation and what will the cost to USDA be, including lost work hours and travel expenses, from frequent employee travel from Beltsville to Baltimore? The Baltimore location is critical to the ability of the Baltimore Urban Field Office to successfully accomplish its place-based and partnership-driven work. This work not only benefits the Baltimore community but serves as a model for urban forestry work in cities across the country and the world. The Baltimore Urban Field Office is an asset to the nation and its closure serves no one. Keep your word and keep the work of the Baltimore Urban Forestry Office in Baltimore.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, wrote a letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles demanding the Trump administration immediately take off the air a taxpayer-funded political ad celebrating President Trump — and report to the Committees exactly how many taxpayer dollars were spent creating and airing the illegal political propaganda. “This is the sort of government propaganda one might expect in North Korea, not the United States of America, and it is an egregious and utterly illegal misuse of Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars,” write the lawmakers, who note the ad constitutes a blatant violation of Section 718 of Division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which forbids any federal funding from supporting propaganda, as well as other federal laws. “We write to demand that you immediately take this ad off the air and appropriately reprimand and discipline the Federal employees who knowingly violated Federal law in working on and paying for this advertisement. In addition, we demand a full account and breakdown of all Federal funds used to create and air this ad,” they continue. “The law is not complicated. You cannot use taxpayer dollars for political advertisements.” The full letter is available HERE and below: The Honorable Susan Wiles Chief of Staff The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Cc: The Honorable Russell T. Vought, Director, Office of Management and Budget Ms. Wiles: Last night, Fox News aired a government-sponsored political ad that was “Paid for by the U.S. Government”—otherwise known as the American taxpayers. The ad celebrates President Trump with a montage of photos of him and the American flag as singers repeat the words “love me” from JMSN’s song “Love Me.”[1] If President Trump wants people to love him, he can pay for it himself. This is the sort of government propaganda one might expect in North Korea, not the United States of America, and it is an egregious and illegal misuse of Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars. This ad is a violation of section 718 of division E of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, a longstanding general provision prohibiting any taxpayer funds from being used to produce government propaganda. Section 718 states that, “No part of any appropriation contained in the act or any other Act shall be used directly or indirectly, including through a private contractor, for publicity or propaganda purposes within the United States not heretofore authorized by Congress.” It is also apparently a violation of Federal ethics laws, including the Hatch Act. We write to demand that you immediately take this ad off the air and appropriately reprimand and discipline the Federal employees who knowingly violated Federal law in working on and paying for this advertisement. In addition, we demand a full account and breakdown of all Federal funds used to create and air this ad. As you are aware, this is not the first time this administration has violated anti-propaganda law[2]. It is unconscionable that repeated violations of appropriations law continue to occur during this Administration, and those violations underscore the failure of the Office of Management and Budget to safeguard taxpayer funding and to consistently and faithfully ensure compliance with the law. No taxpayer funding should be used to air this outrageous propaganda. The law is not complicated. You cannot use taxpayer dollars for political advertisements. Sincerely,

WASHINGTON, DC – A coalition of 51 organizations, unions, disability stakeholders, and advocacy groups have endorsed H.R. 10443, the American Procurement Improvement Act (APIA), bipartisan legislation which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Pete Sessions (TX-17). Following the bill's introduction, many leaders have expressed their support for the bill: “SourceAmerica supports the American Procurement Improvement Act of 2026 as it advances priorities long sought by groups seeking to drive continued improvements within the AbilityOne Program,” said Richard Belden, SourceAmerica President and CEO. “AbilityOne is a proven model that strengthens the American workforce, supports the domestic supply chain and helps federal agencies deliver on their missions. We sincerely thank Reps. Hoyer and Sessions and the other cosponsors for choosing to make the protection and growth of AbilityOne Program employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities, including veterans, a priority.” “People with disabilities deserve access to good jobs that provide fair wages, meaningful benefits, opportunities to develop new skills, and a pathway to advance in their careers. AAPD appreciates Representatives Steny Hoyer and Pete Sessions for their leadership in introducing this bipartisan legislation and for recognizing that modernizing AbilityOne must go hand in hand with expanding economic opportunity for people with disabilities. We look forward to working with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure the program continues to create high-quality employment opportunities where people with disabilities can build careers, achieve economic independence, and thrive,” said Maria Town, President and CEO of American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). "Businesses lose access to talented individuals who could strengthen their workforce and improve performance when they dismiss the millions of Americans with disabilities who are ready to contribute, lead, and succeed. This legislation will modernize the AbilityOne program to ensure that people with disabilities have the same thing everyone else needs to thrive in employment: A chance,” said Former Congressman Tony Coelho (CA-15) and lead sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). “The AbilityOne program has shown what is possible when we connect federal procurement with the talents and potential of people with significant disabilities. The American Procurement Improvement Act gives that successful model the tools it needs to evolve with today’s workforce, creating more opportunities for people to enter the workforce, advance their careers, and take on new responsibilities. This legislation will help ensure that AbilityOne continues to open doors to meaningful employment and economic independence for generations to come,” said Larysa Kautz, President and CEO of the Melwood Family of Companies. “Since our founding in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind has worked to improve employment opportunities for blind Americans. We greatly appreciate the work of Representatives Steny Hoyer and Pete Sessions to advance the American Procurement Improvement Act of 2026, H.R. 10443, which will advance this goal. This bill will dramatically modernize the AbilityOne program by promoting upward mobility, professional development, and career counseling for blind and disabled employees on AbilityOne contracts," said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. "I urge Congress vote to enact the implementation of the American Procurement Improvement Act of 2026. I am a Disability Rights Leader and Business Leader; I also live with epilepsy. I have expertise on the employment of people with disabilities, and the APIA would substantially improve the lives of the unemployed Americans with disabilities and provide them with dignity and quality of life. I believe the APIA would enable them to gain the greatest treasure-employment. Remember, the unemployment of Americans with disabilities touches us all and the APIA gives me hope that change will come,” said Joyce Bender, CEO and Founder of Bender Consulting Services, Inc. ​"The AbilityOne program is essential to supporting our nation’s warfighters. The American Procurement Improvement Act enhances Program contributions to total force readiness and accelerates our mission to provide empowering, fulfilling employment for individuals with disabilities across the nation," said Retired U.S. Army Major General Tony Cucolo, President and CEO of Professional Contract Services, Inc (PCSI). “For decades the AbilityOne Program has demonstrated how the government can leverage its purchasing power to create jobs for Americans with disabilities,” said Bartholomew Devon, Executive Director of the Alliance for Expanding America’s Workforce. “This legislation will help create new opportunities for career growth, enhance professional development, and promote economic independence for employees with disabilities. The members of the Alliance are grateful to Representatives Hoyer and Sessions for their bipartisan leadership and for recognizing the extraordinary contributions disabled Americans make to our nation’s economy and our communities.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks at a press conference with members of the Federal Workforce Caucus and federal employee union leaders to highlight the impact of President Donald Trump's proposed 2027 pay freeze on the federal workforce. Below is a transcript of his remarks: "Congressman Walkinshaw, thank you very, very much. Congressman Walkinshaw is a new Member of the Congress of the United States. He's not a new member of representing, literally, hundreds of thousands, over the years, federal employees. He is not somebody who is not experienced at running a government who can make sure that you can recruit and retain the best, so that we can give people the best service possible. He is not new to the challenge that he met when he came to Congress of the United States with this Administration, with Russell Vought, whose intent, as he pointed out, was to visit Trump on federal employees. And to the federal employees who may be watching, our president reported $2.2 billion of income. Do any of you think when he goes to the grocery store – I don’t think he goes to the grocery store – and he picks up a piece of pizza, says, ‘That may be too expensive for me.’ Or that when he goes to a gasoline station – of course, we know he doesn’t – that he worries about either diesel or gasoline products being $2, $3, or $4 higher than they were six months ago? Of course you don't. Americans are struggling to pay their bills. Americans are struggling to reach an economy that is affordable for them and their families. By the way, federal employees are Americans, and they are consumers, and they are struggling. And while the President says, ‘Zero for the federal employees,’ if you're not a federal employee, he's saying 'Zero' to you as well. How is he saying that? He’s saying, ‘I don't care what inflation is. I don't care [that] costs are going up. I'm going to keep this war going.’ A war of choice. I'm making some signs up, it's going to be at number of gas stations in my district that’s going to say, ‘Pay Trump's War Tax Here.’ "I was the sponsor of the Federal Employee Pay Comparability Act. It passed in 2010 or thereabouts – I think it was 2010, a couple of decades ago – and what that bill said [was], ‘We're going to pay somebody in the federal government who does a job that is done in the private sector, comparable.’ Why do [we] want to pay them more comparable? Because we want to compete, so that when DOGE wipes out a couple hundred thousand positions and then, by the way, hires back because, 'Oh, we needed those people,' and you need to hire competent, capable people who have the skills to do the jobs that Americans need them [done] and their families. That's why we're here. That's why we're saying, ‘Yes, the sergeant over at the Pentagon who is sitting there at the computer and doing a job needs to be compensated in a fair and effective way. But by the way, the person sitting next to that sergeant in a civilian guard, not in the military, who is doing exactly the same thing, exactly the same thing, ought to be comparably compensated.' This president said, ‘Zero, Mack. You're on your own. Take a hike. I don't care that you're having problems getting food. I don't care that you're having problems paying $6 a gallon if you had a diesel vehicle, or $4.50 if you got a gasoline vehicle.’ And then you have to make a choice between that and your rent, between that and your groceries, between that and your medical costs. ‘I don't care because I made $2.2 billion, so why do I care? And my son had his wedding paid for.' Although he's worth not a billion, perhaps, but hundreds of millions of dollars himself. His cost of living, of course, is the interest he gets every day, which exceeds what that sergeant makes in a year. So, he apparently doesn't care. "So, I’m pleased to join my friend, Congressman Walkinshaw, and my friend, Senator Van Hollen. The civilian pay freeze announced by the Administration is just the latest example of how he traumatized Americans – not just federal employees, Americans – why he doesn't care about your costs, why he hasn't offered a policy to help them. They’re trying to create tension and an artificial divide between civilian [employees] and those who wear a uniform. I have been for comparability since I came to the Congress of the United States 45 years ago, and we've been largely successful – not completely, there were a lot of years where we took a pass, some because things were tough for everybody. And by the way, the Pay Comparability Act says, ‘Civilian employees in the federal government cannot get a raise if the private sector economic cost (inaudible). That’s what the law says. And, Mr. Walkinshaw, it's about 3.2- 3.3% and going up, and inflation is outstripping – even in the private sector [salary increases]. "So, I'm very hopeful that our Members of Congress – we’ll see what the election results [are], we’re hopeful. The fact of that is, most Members of Congress are dispersed, two weeks before we were supposed to. Somehow, we thought our work was done, while people are struggling, while gas prices are spiraling, while health care costs and housing costs are driving people to distraction, and worse. I want to thank Representative Walkinshaw, I want to thank you Senator Van Hollen, I want all of you for supporting this effort. I want to thank the federal employee unions who have been so active. I congratulate all of them for keeping the faith for the American people and making sure that people who work for the government are still able to afford to work for the government. I’m sure I have some other great remarks, but I'm afraid I’ve probably talked too long. But we need all of you who are watching, just say to your representatives, say to the Congress of the United States, say to the President of the United States, ‘We value the people for helping us at the federal, state and local level and we need to make sure they don't fall through the floorboards,’ because that’s what’s happening. With the rising costs and the lack of affordable in the American economy, the average working man and woman cannot make $2.2 billion a year. I now yield to my dear friend, and our senior senator from Maryland, who has been, himself, a very strong, consistent, and faithful voice on behalf of federal employees. Of course, being faithful to our federal employees is being faithful to our country, to our state, and to our people. Senator Van Hollen."

I’m proud to introduce the American Procurement Improvement Act to build upon AbilityOne’s continuing legacy, and I will keep working to ensure a more inclusive workforce for the future. https://t.co/JmnAuRuO0O

Throughout my career, I’ve fought to expand employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities.

Trump’s civilian pay freeze announcement is the latest effort to traumatize federal workers & Americans who need their services. I thank this coalition of union leaders for their steadfastness & collaboration with the Federal Workforce Caucus as we fight to ensure civil servants get the pay & respect they deserve. https://t.co/IRuaVDzmo7

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Carolyn Howard, former Delegate and Legislative Black Caucus Chair. A leader of strong character, Carolyn's experience and expertise helped transform Prince George's County and our state. Her legacy will continue through the lives she touched. I send my prayers to her family, loved ones, and former colleagues. https://t.co/U00TFg7gLw