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Progressive Caucus Chair Condemns Supreme Court Ruling Gutting 40-Year Legal Precedent for Federal Protections to Benefit Large Corporations; Urges Congress to Pass Stop Corporate Capture Act to Codify Chevron Deference

June 28, 2024

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s rulings in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v. Department of Commerce: 

“Today’s decision by an extremist Supreme Court eviscerates four decades of legal precedent that protects Americans’ rights to clean air and water, safe workplaces, and healthcare by preventing  the dedicated civil-servant experts who staff our federal agencies from implementing the laws enacted by Congress. This dangerous ruling overturns a unanimous Supreme Court determination, known as Chevron deference, that recognizes that judges are not policy experts and that it is entirely appropriate for knowledgeable regulatory agencies to respond effectively to protect Americans. 

“That is why Congress must immediately pass my Stop Corporate Capture Act, the only bill that codifies Chevron deference, strengthens the federal-agency rulemaking process, and ensures that rulemaking is guided by the public interest–not what’s good for wealthy corporations. 

“Today’s ruling creates massive uncertainty around the ability of the Executive Branch to fulfill its constitutional obligation to enforce our laws and casts doubt on the protections Americans depend on for a safe environment, financial markets, food products, prescription drugs, enforcement of our civil rights, and much more. It empowers the very same Supreme Court that struck down abortion rights to make far-reaching policy decisions. 

“Make no mistake: this is the outcome of a multi-decade crusade by big business and rightwing extremists to gut federal agencies tasked with protecting Americans’ health and safety to instead benefit corporations aiming to dismantle regulations and boost their profits. 

“In addition to passing my bill to codify Chevron deference, we must also enact sweeping oversight measures to rein in corruption and billionaire influence at the Supreme Court, whose far-right extremist majority routinely flouts basic ethics, throws out precedent, and legislates from the bench to benefit the wealthiest and most powerful.” 

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Opposes Extreme Rightwing Pentagon Authorization Bill

June 14, 2024

WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) issued the following statement upon passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the House of Representatives:

“For the second year in a row, MAGA House Republicans pursued a path of extremism for the annual Pentagon authorization bill to continue waging their attacks on climate action, reproductive rights, LBGTQ+ rights, and communities of color. This bloated $833 billion Pentagon authorization bill approves $8.6 billion in additional tax dollars for an out-of-control military budget, expanding costly and unnecessary weapons systems while banning gender-affirming care, abortion travel, and diversity efforts for servicemembers. 

“Meanwhile, investments in domestic priorities, from education to housing, health care to child care, remain squeezed after Republicans threatened to default on the country’s debt, forcing draconian spending caps. Progressives joined nearly all House Democrats in voting ‘no’ on this shameful bill, which also denied CPC members the opportunity to offer amendments to protect human rights abroad, reaffirm congressional war powers, strengthen labor and civil rights for service members, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in military spending. 

“We look forward to a process led by a Democratic House that allows an open and robust debate on the issues Americans care about—national security and peace, upholding human rights, protecting our servicemembers and their families, and taking on the climate crisis and corporate corruption—not cynical attacks on vulnerable Americans.” 

Chairs of Leading Congressional Caucuses Oppose Renewed Senate-Led Inhumane Border Bill

May 22, 2024

WASHINGTON — Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee and Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus issued the following statement regarding immigration legislation in the Senate:  

“We are disappointed that the Senate will once again vote on an already-failed border bill in a move that only splits the Democratic Caucus over extreme and unworkable enforcement-only policies. This framework, which was constructed under Republican hostage-taking, does nothing to address the longstanding updates needed to modernize our outdated immigration system, create more legal pathways, and recognize the enormous contributions of immigrants to communities and our economy. 

“While the investments in asylum officers and immigration judges are welcome and needed, these alone cannot address the negative effects of a new Title 42-like expulsion authority that will close the border and turn away people seeking asylum without due process. Such a policy will be a boon to cartels who prey on migrants and would do nothing to address the root causes of migration—which will continue to send immigrants to the border. It is worth remembering that under Donald Trump, such a policy was not only declared unlawful by the courts, but it also led to increases—not decreases—in illegal border crossing. The Senate framework would also subject immigrants to impossible standards and unrealistic timelines in presenting their asylum claims, forcing many back to violence, dangerous conditions, or other harm. The bill also limits parole at land ports of entry, which will only make it more difficult to process people in a safe and orderly way.

“It is tempting to simply embrace the very policies we rejected under Donald Trump to counter the horrific xenophobic and racist attacks against immigrants coming from the right. We urge our Senate Democratic colleagues to resist this urge and instead show a clear contrast between Republicans and Democrats. Abandon unworkable policy solutions offered by Republicans and instead work with our caucuses to craft a common-sense bipartisan bill that provides holistic solutions that address our economic, humanitarian, and security needs — not more of the same enforcement-only approach that has failed us for the last 30 years.” 

CPC Chair Jayapal Welcomes Ruling Upholding CFPB Independence

May 16, 2024

WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s rejection of a major challenge to the authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB):  

“The CFPB has put $20 billion back into consumers' pockets since its founding 12 years ago. That work has only been possible because of the nature of the agency's independent funding, as Congress intended. This spurious challenge should not have even been entertained, and now, even this hard-right Supreme Court recognizes that this funding mechanism is wholly constitutional. 

“By protecting Americans from junk fees, medical debt, payday lenders, and more, the CFPB has proven to be an effective and critical watchdog agency. From its founding as an idea of now-Senator Elizabeth Warren, to the incredible leadership of Rohit Chopra, the CFPB has become vital to consumer protection. The CPC has been proud to work closely with the CFPB to advocate for and implement many of these policies, and we look forward to continuing that work now that this frivolous challenge has been rightfully blocked.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Applauds Pro-Passenger, Pro-Worker Measures in the FAA Reauthorization Act

May 15, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and chair of CPC’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Task Force, issued the following statement on the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024: 

“We are pleased that this FAA reauthorization, which will now go to the President’s desk, includes two key CPC priorities that our caucus worked hard to attach in order to strengthen consumer rights and protect labor agreements.

“Airlines have long taken advantage of weak regulations to overbook and under-staff flights. Now, airlines will be required to refund a consumer when a flight is canceled or significantly delayed, and progressives fought to ensure that refunds are paid automatically. As passed, this bill now codifies the Biden Administration’s important final rule to shift the burden of initiating a refund from consumers onto the airlines. The Progressive Caucus advocated hard for this provision and also appreciates the advocacy and engagement of Senator Elizabeth Warren and CPC member and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Barragán to ensure this language made it into the final bill. This reauthorization also directs air carriers to set reimbursement policies for the cost of hotels and meals in cases of mass cancellations. 

“The CPC also successfully advocated to remove a provision that would have raised the pilot retirement age, undermining hard-won labor agreements and compliance with international safety regulations. Increasing the number of pilots must be rooted in expanding diverse workforce development and talent pipelines, not sacrificing workers’ rights and safety. 

“We thank Ranking Member Rick Larsen, Chair Maria Cantwell, and Congressional Democratic leadership for working with us to secure these significant victories, and more, within this bipartisan compromise bill. We look forward to partnering with them to advance even bolder policies in the future to build a fairer, more sustainable, and resilient aviation system, including sweeping improvements in wages and benefits for airport service workers as outlined in the CPC-endorsed Good Jobs for Good Airports Act. We will keep fighting for legislation that improves the passenger experience, protects the environment, and empowers workers.” 

Recent polling by Data for Progress showed that the Biden Administration's automatic refund requirement, now codified in this bill, is overwhelmingly popular, with 84 percent of Americans supporting the policy, including 80 percent of Republicans. Only 18 percent of Americans agreed that passengers should have to proactively request a refund for delayed or canceled flights.

CPC Chair Jayapal, Renters Caucus Chair Gomez Call on Administration to Advance Fair Housing for All

May 10, 2024

WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Congressional Renters Caucus Chair Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) are leading 26 of their colleagues in calling on the Administration to immediately release the final “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” (AFFH) rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“America is contending with a variety of housing issues – including surging rents, increasing homelessness, and roadblocks to the American dream of homeownership. It is more important than ever to provide environments for every community to have quality housing within affordable reach,” wrote the Members. “Thankfully, HUD’s proposed AFFH rule would aid local government in creating a true fair housing environment. By forming goals for addressing fair housing concerns, in conjunction with the public that they serve, they will be empowered to take significant steps towards accountability, transparency, and oversight.”

This proposed rule was published in February of 2023 and remains a critical tool to address the country’s history of discriminatory housing policies. Although the Fair Housing Act was passed with the goal of prohibiting direct discrimination by landlords and real estate companies, patterns of segregation still exist. 

The proposed AFFH rule would serve to close gaps in the enforcement of the Fair Housing Act and ensure through Equity Plans that the law is being upheld to its full extent. These plans will help communities receiving housing funds, like local governments and housing non-profits, measure the impacts of housing discrimination and outline strategies to alleviate those issues.  As working families contend with an affordability crisis, finalizing this rule would help to curb inequity, end homelessness, and create opportunity for historically disadvantaged communities. 

The letter was signed by Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Danny K. Dennis (IL-07), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Daniel S. Goldman (NY-10), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Scott H. Peters (CA-50), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Adam B. Schiff (CA-30), Melanie A. Stansbury (NM-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and the full text can be read here. 

CPC Chair Jayapal, Whip Casar Statement in Support of Deputy Chair Omar

May 8, 2024

WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Whip Greg Casar (TX-35) released the following statement in support of CPC Deputy Chair Ilhan Omar (MN-05) following the introduction of a censure resolution against the Congresswoman:
 “The Congressional Progressive Caucus fully stands with our Deputy Chair, Representative Ilhan Omar, in condemning this baseless, blatantly Islamophobic censure resolution. We see this for what it is: a political stunt to stir up hate within the MAGA extremist base. Throughout her service as Deputy Chair of the Progressive Caucus, Rep. Omar has brought invaluable leadership and continues to bring a vital perspective to the People’s House. We stand with her.”

Chair Jayapal Applauds Biden Administration’s Expansion of Health Coverage to DACA Recipients

May 3, 2024

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, issued the following statement in support of today’s announcement by the Biden Administration to expand healthcare access under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program which was among CPC’s asks for executive action on immigration:

“I want to thank and applaud President Biden and Secretary Becerra for today’s announcement that allows DACA recipients to access health care and enhances coverage for other groups, including those approved for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status and children applying for humanitarian relief.  

“In November, I led 85 of my colleagues in urging the administration to finalize this rule.  As we noted, expanding health care coverage for these populations is vital. DACA recipients are disproportionately people of color and tend to experience higher barriers to health care. Youths approved for SIJ status often have to wait years before receiving a status adjustment. Today’s long-overdue announcement could help as many as 100,000 uninsured people finally gain coverage.

“Health care is a human right, and DACA recipients deserve access to that care just like everyone else. This was a major priority in the CPC’s Executive Action Agenda and we’re grateful to the President and his administration for ensuring that all people can access health coverage. I’m also proud to sponsor the Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families (HEAL) Act with Representative Nanette Barragán which would codify this policy and eliminate barriers to health care for immigrants. I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to expand access to health care.”

Congressional Progressive Caucus Statement on Meeting with National Security Advisor Sullivan

April 30, 2024

WASHINGTON — Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), and Greg Casar (TX-35), the chair, deputy chair and whip, respectively, of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement after a Progressive Caucus meeting today with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan:

“We thank National Security Advisor Sullivan for joining our weekly meeting today and engaging with our members in a thoughtful and productive discussion on current U.S. policy in the Middle East. We were grateful to hear updates on pressing issues of significant and longstanding interest to our caucus. We also appreciate his willingness to take members’ concerns seriously, answer questions, consider members’ recommendations, and to convey our views to his colleagues. 

“We appreciate the responsiveness shown by the White House with today’s meeting as a valuable step in sustained exchange on Middle East issues. Progressives were proud to play an essential role as partners in realizing much of the President’s domestic agenda, and we look forward to continued engagement to chart a path forward for the region based on our shared values of prioritizing diplomacy, peace, international law, and resolving urgent humanitarian needs.” 

CPC Chair Jayapal Applauds Major Biden Administration Executive Actions to Strengthen Workers’ Rights

April 24, 2024

WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement celebrating the Biden Administration’s two finalized rules that significantly expand the number of salaried workers eligible for overtime pay and ban companies from using nearly all forms of noncompete clauses that prevent employees from seeking opportunities at other firms: 

“I applaud President Biden for his laser focus on ensuring his Administration does everything possible to put real money in people’s pockets, reward work and help everyday Americans to deal with the many challenges that face them. Today is a major milestone in the fight for economic justice and workers’ rights, with the Biden Administration finalizing two historic initiatives on the same day to increase workers’ wages, bargaining power, and workplace rights.  Both of these initiatives were priorities for the Congressional Progressive Caucus on our executive action agenda and we have worked closely with the Administration to push them forward.

“Under the leadership of Acting Secretary Julie Su, the Department of Labor is expanding the right to overtime pay to over 4 million more salaried workers, who are often forced to work overtime of 60-70 hours a week with no additional pay outside their normal salary. This finalized overtime rule is the largest expansion in federal overtime eligibility in decades and will make profitable businesses pay an additional $1.5 billion annually to their workers. Starting July 1st, millions more employees will get time-and-a-half pay for work beyond 40 hours a week, ending workplace exploitation, increasing workers’ pay and free time, and spurring more job hiring.  While we know this is not everything the Progressive Caucus called for, we believe it is a huge step forward and we will continue to push for the full expansion for the next round.

“In addition, under the bold vision of Chair Lina Khan, the Federal Trade Commission issued a final rule declaring nearly all noncompete clauses unfair methods of competition, providing relief to more than one in five workers—30 million Americans—burdened with these conditions on their employment. The average worker will increase their pay by an additional $524 per year thanks to this rule.

“From the beginning of the new Congress, the Progressive Caucus charted out a vision for delivering for working people in the face of divided government through our Executive Action Agenda. House progressives are proud to partner with the Biden Administration to make good on Democrats’ commitments to providing working families with the dignity they deserve through finalizing these major priorities for executive action in a timely way. We applaud President Biden and his Administration for working to rebuild our economy from the bottom up. We must codify these decisions in law and build on them. We stand ready to defend these historic achievements and fight back against Republican attacks in Congress and rightwing challenges in the courts to deprive working people of the rights they deserve.” 

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