In addition to the contemptuous nature of the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act, I am especially troubled by the impact this bill will have on our country's most vulnerable and isolated populations. This legislation would withhold vital crime prevention funding from •sanctuary cities' which have decided to focus their limited resources on making their communities safer rather than policing federal immigration laws. Read more »
It has been more than fourteen months since that tragedy occurred. It has been more than six months since Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisolm declined to file charges against Office Christopher Manney in relation to the shooting and U.S. Attorney Jim Santelle announced a federal review of the case. However, according to the Hamilton family, they have not received any updates as to the status of this review. Read more »
I suggest instead of wasting Wisconsin taxpayer dollars on this frivolous lawsuit, the money could be better spent trying to figure out how to help restore food assistance to the seniors in Wisconsin who saw they Food Share payments significantly cut by the 2014 farm bill. Read more »
Every student – regardless of their race, upbringing, or socioeconomic background – deserves access to the kind of top-quality education that can propel them to become the next generation of American innovators and leaders. Unfortunately, H.R. 5 falls short of that obligation. Read more »
This decision by the Supreme Court marks a truly historic day for our country. As the debate for marriage equality in America comes to an end, I am proud to say that dignity and love have won. As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I am delighted to celebrate this great victory with our nation's LGBT brothers and sisters. Read more »
The Supreme Court of the United States has once again upheld the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This decision will allow millions of Americans who depend on the subsidies provided by the ACA to keep their health coverage. This landmark legislation provides all Americans, regardless of where they live, with access to quality health care, and is an important lifeline for our working and middle class families. Read more »
The observance of Juneteenth Day not only gives us all an opportunity to celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of slavery in our country, but it also provides us with a chance to have an open and honest conversation about race relations in our society. This important date underscores the incredible gains we've made together in addressing racial inequality and serves as a valuable reminder that our collective march towards justice continues in our classrooms, governments, and places of worship. Read more »
I support President Obama and share his vision for enhanced economic growth and greater access to global markets, but I categorically disagree with my Republican colleagues regarding how we can achieve such goals. We must find a better way to support American jobs and secure our collective financial future without compromising our country's critical labor, safety, and environmental standards. Read more »
For women who choose to breastfeed, this landmark legislation requires insurance companies to provide access to critical coverage of breastfeeding equipment, support, and counseling at no cost. Sadly, recent reports demonstrate a failure by some insurers to comply with ACA requirements. Needless to say, this is deeply troubling and simply unacceptable. Read more »
Proper training of our law enforcement officers in these situations can help prevent tragedies before they occur, which is why I am delighted that my amendment to the FY 16 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill passed. My amendment will increase funding for the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA) to help provide assistance and training for police departments to safely and appropriately dealing with mentally ill individuals. I am optimistic that efforts like this will help prevent future tragedies like that of Dontre Hamilton. Read more »
