RELEASE: LARSON CONDEMNS DISCRIMINATORY TRUMP IMMIGRATION APPLICATION BAN
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
December 4, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Condemns Discriminatory Trump Immigration Application Ban
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) called out the Trump Administration’s unfounded and discriminatory immigration application ban, which has already halted citizenship proceedings for Connecticut residents. As of this week, the Trump Administration has paused all immigration applications for residents from 19 countries, including Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela.
“It is contrary to the values we hold dear when mothers are torn from their children by masked ICE agents, law-abiding visa holders are detained in unmarked vans, and now, aspiring citizens are being turned away because of who they are or where they came from,” said Larson. “That is not the nation we all know and love. We are a nation of immigrants. This ban has nothing to do with national security. It is discrimination — plain and simple. It has been heartbreaking to already hear from residents whose loved ones are having their citizenship appointments canceled — including a child right here in Connecticut — because of Donald Trump and Kristi Noem’s extreme ban. That goes against everything we stand for as Americans. It is why we must stand up and hold the President accountable.”
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Connect with Congressman Larson Online:
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
December 5, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Condemns Latest RFK Jr. Push to Roll Back Childhood Vaccine Recommendations
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine panel reversed decades-long guidance for newborns to receive Hepatitis B vaccinations.
“Once again, Secretary Kennedy is putting his anti-vaccine conspiracies above the health of our nation’s children,” said Larson. “This latest move by his panel of conspiracy theorists, yet again has no basis in facts or evidence, and will only further imperil the progress we’ve made against preventable diseases — in this case, Hepatitis B. Vaccinations are backed by decades of extensive scientific research. If the CDC moves forward with this baseless recommendation, children will die. The longer RFK Jr. stays in his role as our nation’s top health official, the more harm he and his pseudoscientific conspiracies will cause.”
Larson called for Kennedy to resign in September after he doubled down on his anti-vaccine purge during a Senate hearing. Since he was sworn in, Kennedy has dismissed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that recommends vaccines, canceled $500 million in funding for vaccine research, and announced new restrictions on the COVID-19 vaccine. Bolstered by the Secretary’s anti-vaccine rhetoric, Florida has put forward a plan to end all childhood vaccine requirements.
Connecticut leads the nation with a 98.3% childhood vaccination rate, avoiding measles outbreaks plaguing other states. Connecticut has seen no measles or polio cases, a public health success under threat by the ongoing Trump-Kennedy public health purge.
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
December 9, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Announces Landmark Plan to Reinvest Trump ICE Slush Fund in Affordable Housing Solutions
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced the Make Housing Affordable and Defend Democracy Act with Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and 60 of their Democratic colleagues. Their plan would reinvest the $175 billion in federal funding Congressional Republicans approved in their budget for Donald Trump and Kristi Noem to target immigrant communities and instead use that funding to kickstart a 21st century housing boom across the country. It also includes Larson’s bipartisan Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act, a bill to incentivize the conversion of existing vacant and underutilized commercial properties into new housing.
“With construction costs on the rise, sky-high mortgage rates, and costly utility bills, it is becoming exceedingly difficult to build, own, or even save up to one day own a home,” said Larson. “President Trump ran on bringing costs down for working families, yet his administration has been focused on dismantling social safety nets and terrorizing immigrant communities. Our plan will rein in their abusive anti-immigrant agenda and finally invest in solving the housing crisis that is blocking families from owning a home or finding affordable rental options. Together, we can kickstart a nationwide housing boom and make homeownership a reality for more hard-working Americans and their families.”
“I’m introducing this bill because families across the country are being crushed by housing costs while Trump uses $175 billion to terrorize families with his own national police force,” said Gomez. “This bill flips the script. We’re taking back Trump’s anti-immigrant slush fund and investing it in real housing solutions that actually help people while putting a check on the unaccountable police force he built to go after our communities.”
The bill would make one of the largest housing investments proposed this Congress, lowering costs for renters, providing substantial support for first-time homebuyers, and incentivizing the conversion of vacant office buildings into affordable units. It pays for these investments by redirecting funding approved by Republicans in Congress for the Trump Administration’s anti-immigrant agenda, including billions for inhumane detention facilities and unaccountable Department of Homeland Security and ICE programs.
The Make Housing Affordable and Defend Democracy Act would:
- Create the first-ever monthly Renter Tax Credit for individuals and families paying more than 30% of their income on rent.
- Provide $25,000 or more for first time homebuyers and $50,000 or more in down-payment assistance for first-generation homebuyers.
- Convert vacant office buildings into affordable housing through a 20–35% Affordable Housing Conversion Credit.
- Launch a Starter Home Construction Credit targeted at first-time buyers.
- Expand production of deeply affordable housing through a strengthened Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.
Full bill text is available HERE.
The legislation is endorsed by UnidosUS, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), CASA, A Way Home America, the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), representing millions of renters, immigrants, low-income families, and housing advocates nationwide.
In addition to Reps. Larson and Gomez, the Make Housing Affordable and Defend Democracy Act is cosponsored by: Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL ), Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-31), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Danny Davis (IL07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesus G. "Chuy" Garcia (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Henry C. ("Hank") Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), George Latimer (NY-16), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Jim McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Scott Peters (CA-50), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Darren Soto (FL-09), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
December 10, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Washington, D.C. – Today, House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) blasted Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee for their inaction on the ongoing data privacy issues at Social Security.
In March, Ranking Member Larson introduced the Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act to block political appointees and special government employees like ‘DOGE’ from accessing information at Social Security. In June, the Supreme Court allowed ‘DOGE’ access to SSA’s records, including names, addresses, medical information, and financial records, while an ongoing case makes its way through the courts. In August, a whistleblower stepped forward and reported that the sensitive information of 300 million Americans had been copied to an unsecure cloud.
View Ranking Member Larson’s full remarks here.
“Apparently, Elon Musk and ‘DOGE’ are above the law. They don't have to answer to Congress. They don't have to answer to this Committee. That's not how the American public feels, and that's not how the New York Times or the Washington post or CNN feels. And that's why they all have written in, editorialized about it, and yet still no action,” said Larson. “Mr. Chairman, we need to have ‘DOGE’ in front of us. We need to have Elon Musk come before this committee and answer why it is. And if this Committee won't do it, maybe we need the press and the media and the general public to demand of Congress what this Committee and the United States Congress has not done. It is a dereliction of our duty and our responsibility to the citizens we're sworn to serve.”
View a transcript of Ranking Member Larson’s full opening statement below:
“We all know what's missing here. We all know what's going on. In February of this year, the Administration forced out the Acting Commissioner of Social Security because Michelle King wouldn't grant ‘DOGE’ access to SSA’s database, which contained the personal information of every American.
“We then asked that Mr. Musk and ‘DOGE’ come before this Committee. It wasn't granted. So, we followed rule 13, clause seven, and asked for a Resolution of Inquiry. It was granted, but Mr. Musk never showed up, and the resolution was defeated. And then, in fact, you guys did away with that resolution — what the minority has in the ability to call people before this Committee to get essential answers about what they're doing to every single American looking at their personal data and information. Why do they need that? What did Mr. Musk have in mind with that? Was it just because of curiosity? Why is it being placed in an insecure cloud, where previously these were protected?
“It's why Michelle King stepped down from her position because she would not grant access by ‘DOGE’ to be able to go over every single person in this country's data and information. The new, hand-picked Acting Commissioner opened the floodgates and let ‘DOGE’ into the agency and into every American's personal information. As I said before, we introduced a Resolution of Inquiry, but that was turned down. Apparently, Elon Musk and ‘DOGE’ are above the law. They don't have to answer to Congress. They don't have to answer to this Committee. That's not how the American public feels, and that's not how the New York Times or the Washington Post or CNN feels. And that's why they all have written and editorialized about it, and yet, still no action. In March, we also introduced bill to stop ‘DOGE’ from accessing [the] American people's data at SSA and also stop this Administration from shuttering field offices that seniors and disabled workers [rely] on. Again, no action from the Committee. After the Supreme Court didn't stop their behavior, we wrote you, Mr. Chairman, requesting that this Committee hold an immediate markup on our bill to stop ‘DOGE’ from accessing SSA data.
“And again, we heard nothing. Fast forward to August. A whistleblower comes forward and says that ‘DOGE’ has copied the personal and confidential information of every single American to a vulnerable and insecure cloud. Mr. Chairman, we need to have ‘DOGE’ in front of us. We need to have Elon Musk come before this Committee and answer why it is. And if this Committee won't do it, maybe we need the press and the media and the general public to demand of Congress what this Committee and the United States Congress has not done. It is a dereliction of our duty and our responsibility to the citizens we're sworn to serve. You're going to have to answer to your citizens when they say to you, why did you let them pore over my personal data and records?”
Perosino, Charles
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, authorizing a pay raise for troops, supporting Ukraine and NATO allies to counter Russian aggression, and repealing the outdated 1991 Gulf War and 2002 Iraq War authorizations.
“Today’s vote was a win for our troops, allies, and Connecticut workers,” said Larson. “While Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth tried to engulf the Pentagon in their MAGA culture wars, Democrats worked diligently to deliver for our service members and do right by Connecticut’s hard-working machinists and shipbuilders. Together, our delegation, led by our champion on the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Joe Courtney, worked to ensure Connecticut workers continue to build the F135 engine, Blackhawk helicopter, and Columbia and Virginia-class submarines. Whether it is Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, Electric Boat, or the more than one hundred suppliers scattered across our state, our state’s highly skilled workforce will keep powering our armed forces and allies with state-of-the-art equipment for decades to come.
“I am also proud to see the United States Congress take real action to protect our military from this President’s authoritarian abuses of power,” Larson continued. “Even though President Trump continues his threats to turn our backs on our NATO allies and friends in Ukraine, the bill we passed tonight authorizes new security assistance for Ukraine and puts real protections in place to prevent him from reneging on commitments to our allies in Eastern Europe. And after the recent revelations of illegal military strikes in the Caribbean, we are withholding funding from Secretary Hegseth until he turns over the records Congress is demanding about these strikes.
“More than 20 years since the wrongheaded war in Iraq, we are also taking action to end the outdated resolutions that presidents of both parties have long used to justify unauthorized military campaigns in the Middle East. I voted against the original 2002 Iraq War Resolution and for years, I have pushed to repeal these overly broad authorizations. I was glad to see my colleagues come together to re-assert some of our war powers authorities and I will continue to advocate for aggressive oversight at the Pentagon. While this bill was not perfect, it gives our troops the pay raise they have earned and deserve, makes significant investments in our state’s manufacturing workforce, and takes real steps to rein in President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s power grabs,” Larson concluded.
The National Defense Authorization Act:
- Authorizes a 3.8% pay raise for all military personnel.
- Includes $3.2 billion for Columbia and Virginia-class Submarines, built at Electric Boat in Groton.
- Fully authorizes the Pentagon to procure new Blackhawk helicopters, built at Sikorsky in Stratford.
- Supports funding for 47 F-35 fighter jets, powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine.
- Authorizes $800 million in security assistance for Ukraine over the next two years.
- Restricts President Trump from withdrawing military personnel in Eastern Europe or recognizing Russian sovereignty over Ukrainian territories.
- Repeals the outdated 1991 Gulf War and 2002 Iraq War authorizations, following years of advocacy from Rep. Larson to re-assert Congressional war powers authorities.
- Fences off funding for the Secretary of Defense until the Pentagon complies with Congressional oversight requirements, including full footage of the illegal military strikes in the Caribbean that occurred on Secretary Hegseth’s watch.
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
December 11, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Urges Fair Contract for Starbucks Baristas, Stands with Workers During Strike
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement in support of the Connecticut Starbucks Workers Union strike. As part of an ongoing nationwide strike, workers at the Corbin’s Corner Starbucks in West Hartford and Berkshire Center Starbucks in Danbury officially began their strike this morning.
“Starbucks workers across the country continue to fight playbook union-busting tactics from management,” said Larson. “While there had been some progress over the last year toward a fair contract, Starbucks management has moved in a different direction – closing stores and conducting mass layoffs, even as they bring in billions in profits. It should not be this hard for anyone to have their voice heard by their employer. I stand with striking Connecticut Starbucks Workers Union members in West Hartford and baristas nationwide fighting for the pay and benefits they deserve.”
Ahead of the Starbucks Workers Union strike, Larson and a group of his colleagues wrote Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol last month, urging him to respect his workers’ constitutional right to organize and bargain in good faith for a fair contract.
“We are writing to express concern regarding Starbucks’ failure to reach a fair first contract with its baristas. Disturbingly, we have heard that the company has returned to union busting, which has impeded the ability of Starbucks workers—many of whom are our constituents—to exercise their statutory and constitutional right to organize,” the lawmakers wrote. “Accordingly, we want to know how Starbucks, in accordance with the law, will reverse course from its current posture, resolve its existing labor disputes, and bargain a fair contract in good faith with these employees.”
Their full letter is available HERE.
Perosino, Charles
Larson Votes to Consider Articles of Impeachment Against President Donald John Trump
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted to advance articles of impeachment against President Trump on the House floor.
“Today, I voted to consider articles of impeachment against the President of the United States after conferring with my colleague, Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, the most knowledgeable person on the subject matter. A lot has transpired since the last time this issue came up in June, but we still have a process to seek accountability, and it must move forward,” said Larson. “President Trump has torn immigrant families apart, including in Newington, Southington, and Hamden, tried to deploy the military against Americans, illegally ripped up union contracts, and allowed ‘DOGE’ into millions of Americans’ private information with no oversight. He even had his Department of Homeland Security put out a ‘watch list’ targeting lawmakers and advocates, including myself, who have spoken up forcefully against these abuses of power. He is actively treating the Constitution like a suggestion, not the law of the land, because he believes he is above the law. Republicans in Congress have failed their duty to exercise any oversight or constraint. That is why I agree with my colleague, Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, that thorough investigations and public hearings need to take place, and the impeachment process should go forward and will be best effective when supported by investigations and examinations of evidence.”
Perosino, Charles
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for the Protect America’s Workforce Act, legislation he cosponsored and moved to force a vote on in the House, to reverse President Trump’s illegal executive order ending collective bargaining rights for federal workers. The President’s executive order was the most significant union-busting action in American history.
“Every worker should have the right to organize and collectively bargain for better pay and benefits,” said Larson. “The Union-Buster-in-Chief, Donald Trump, committed the single largest anti-labor action in our nation’s history when he illegally ordered an end to collective bargaining agreements across the federal government. He even moved to cancel approved maternity leave for new and expecting parents at the VA. I was proud to stand with our civil servants at home and my colleagues in Congress to fight back, forging a bipartisan coalition and forcing Republican leaders’ hands to end his union-busting spree. The Senate must act swiftly to protect our workers and pass this bill. I will continue to fight tooth and nail to end Donald Trump’s attacks on our workforce. Labor has stood up to billionaire bosses like him for more than a century. We aren’t stopping now.”
In August, Rep. Larson stood with workers at the Newington VA to call out the Trump Administration’s illegal termination of collective bargaining agreements, the cancellation of approved maternity leave for expecting parents, and ‘DOGE’ mass firings. Rep. Larson sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins condemning his union-busting and calling for a report on the impact these cuts are having on care at the Newington VA. The independent Inspector General then came out with a report detailing severe staff shortages at every VA facility nationwide.
In addition to the AFL-CIO and AFGE, the Protecting America’s Workforce Act has support from a wide range of unions representing federal employees, including: the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the United Steelworkers (USW).
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
December 12, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Moves to Force House Vote on Congressional Stock Trading Ban
Washington, D.C. – Before leaving Washington for the week, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) signed a bipartisan discharge petition to circumvent Republican leadership and force a vote in the House on H.R. 1908, the End Congressional Stock Trading Act. This bill would prohibit Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from owning and trading stocks.
“Americans should be able to trust that their elected officials are in Washington working on their behalf, not padding stock portfolios and drumming up crypto schemes,” said Larson. “No public servant should be able to use the information they learn on the job to enrich themselves or their loved ones. That’s why I worked with President Obama to ban insider trading by Members of Congress – and why we need to strengthen that law. Speaker Johnson is the only person standing in the way of a vote on our stock trading ban, so we’re going to force his hand. With Congress’ approval rating at an all-time low, it is time for us to step up and restore trust with the public. Let’s end Congressional stock trading once and for all.”
Larson has long been an advocate for regulating Congressional stock trading. In 2012, he helped lead efforts to pass the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, to ensure Members of Congress cannot profit from information they learn in the course of their work and joined President Obama when he signed it into law.
Larson is also a cosponsor of the bipartisan Restore Trust in Congress Act with Reps. Chip Roy (TX-21), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), to prohibit Members of Congress, their spouses, dependent children, and trustees from owning, buying, or selling individual stocks, securities, commodities, futures, and other comparable assets.
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
December 15, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Announces Comprehensive Bill to Prepare America’s Workforce for AI Future
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced the introduction of the Workforce of the Future Act with Reps. Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05) and LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), to better prepare workers, teachers, and students for a changing workforce and identify how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies will change the future of the American economy. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). Last week, Time Magazine named the “Architects of AI” the person of the year for 2025.
“While the rise of artificial intelligence offers the promise of innovation and advancement, we can’t sit idly by and allow workers to be left behind,” said Larson. “We must make sure workers across a broad array of industries, and students, present and future, have the access to the programs and education they need to compete in this rapidly changing economy. I’m proud to join Rep. Emanuel Cleaver to put forward a plan to better integrate emerging technologies into school curricula and support workers as AI enters their industry. We can’t let big tech moguls make billions on this disruptive technology without investing our workforce. The Congress urgently needs to act to pass nationwide AI regulations and standards that preserve jobs, protect children, and advance global technological competitiveness. AI technology should work for us, not the other way around and this bill takes an important step in that direction.”
“While there is much excitement about the potential of AI and the benefits it can bring to our communities, there is also much concern about the impacts it will have on American workers, their jobs, and their wages. It is critically important that we take steps today to prepare our nation and our workforce for the economic consequences that are rapidly approaching with the growing adoption of AI,” said Cleaver. “The Workforce of the Future Act will provide the investments necessary to ensure American workers are ready and able to capitalize on those opportunities and that nobody is left behind.”
Without proper guardrails, the impact AI could have on our economy is wide-ranging. According to studies from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), AI could replace nearly 12 percent of the workforce. Currently, many recent college graduates report being unable to find work. This legislation addresses the most pressing concerns behind AI’s rapid advancement in our workforce while also providing resources to prepare individuals to succeed in advanced technology sectors.
The Workforce of the Future Act would:
- Require the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Education to jointly and efficiently prepare a report analyzing AI’s impact on the economy and workforce that must identify critical information, including what industries and jobs will be most impacted, how job quality will be impacted, necessary skills for workers, and recommendations for preparing the 21st century workforce.
- Authorize the Department of Education to award $160 million in grants to support expanding access to emerging and advanced technology education. Grants will help support foundational and innovative STEAM learning for students who need this knowledge to participate in the 21st century workforce.
- Grants must leverage information and recommendations from the report and may be used for teacher training and recruiting, high-quality learning materials, reducing gaps in access for underrepresented groups, engaging industry, and providing necessary support for student success.
- Authorize the Department of Labor to award $90 million in grants to support workforce training for workers most impacted by AI.
- Grants must leverage information and recommendations from the report and support the training of workers to prevent AI-related displacement and provide immediate support and training to workers who experience job loss in AI-impacted industries.
The bill is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Anthropic, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Microsoft, the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), OpenAI, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
View full bill text HERE.
Kurzawa, Caroline
For Immediate Release:
December 17, 2025
Contact:
Caroline Kurzawa 202-503-5382
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) called on Speaker Johnson to keep the House in session until action is taken to
extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits 20 million Americans rely on to afford health care coverage. Earlier today, four Republicans signed on to Leader Jeffries’
discharge petition to force a House vote on a three-year extension of the credits, meeting the required threshold of 218 signatures.
“Families across the country are depending on Congress to take action to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits before they see their costs
double,” said Larson. “Democrats put forward a plan months ago to take action and lower health care costs but have been blocked at every step of the way. With a bipartisan majority of Members calling for action, Speaker Johnson must keep the House in
session over the holidays until we extend the tax credits. Johnson and Trump cannot leave the American people in the lurch while they sit up at night wondering how they will pay their bills. If Republicans and Trump fail to act, they deserve nothing more than
coal in their stockings this year.”
During the government shutdown, Larson introduced the Opening the People’s House Resolution to allow a majority of Members of Congress to reconvene Congress. Currently, the Speaker of the House has unilateral authority to keep the House in recess.
Kurzawa, Caroline
Larson Votes to End Illegal Strikes in Caribbean, Reassert Congressional War Powers
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted to pass H.Con.Res. 61 and H.Con. Res. 64 to end President Trump’s unauthorized strikes in the Caribbean Sea and hostilities against Venezuela, reasserting Congress’ Constitutional war powers authority.
“Our Founders entrusted Congress with the authority to declare war under Article I of the Constitution,” said Larson. “These unauthorized strikes in the Caribbean Sea have proven that it’s time for the legislative branch to reassert our authority. I am proud to support Representatives Greg Meeks and Jim McGovern’s efforts to end these strikes and stop us from becoming entangled in another forever war. Members of Congress must remember that we swear an oath to the Constitution, not Secretary Hegseth or President Trump.”
Larson called for Defense Secretary Hegseth to resign following reports that he gave an illegal order resulting in a second strike to kill survivors of an initial attack on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea. Larson voted against the Iraq War and has long advocated for the repeal of the overly broad 1991 Gulf War and 2002 Iraq War authorizations, and voted to repeal them as part of the National Defense Authorization Act last week.
Kurzawa, Caroline
Larson Opposes Republicans’ Failed Health Care Plan, Calls for Real Action to Lower Costs
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) opposed Republicans’ health care plan that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits millions of Americans rely on while raising costs and limiting access to care.
“Republicans’ health care plan is simply insulting for families across the country who are already having to decide between enrolling in health insurance and paying the rent,” said Larson. “While Democrats have been fighting to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, Republicans have somehow cooked up a plan that raises costs AND leaves more Americans uninsured. Kicking 15 million Americans off their health insurance isn’t enough for them. In the wealthiest nation in the world, health care should be a right, not a privilege for the wealthy few. A bipartisan majority of Members have spoken and are demanding action to protect access to care and lower costs. Will Speaker Johnson and Republicans have the courage to stand up for their constituents and vote, or will they continue to run and hide? The American people can’t wait.”
Larson has called for renewed negotiations to solve the Republicans’ health care crisis and signed on to a discharge petition with House Democrats to force a vote on their plan to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. Today, the petition reached the 218-signature threshold required to force a House vote after four Republicans signed on. Last week, Senate Republicans blocked Democrats’ plan to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Kurzawa, Caroline
Larson Opposes Extreme Anti-Trans Health Care Bill
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) opposed an extreme Republican culture war bill targeting transgender youth. H.R. 3492 would criminalize providing gender affirming care to transgender Americans under 18. This week, the House will also vote on H.R. 498, which would ban Medicaid coverage for gender affirming care for Americans under 18.
“Whether it’s accessing an abortion or deciding what’s best for your children, Republicans think they should decide your health care needs,” said Larson “They aren’t satisfied with kicking 15 million people off their health insurance. Republicans are now attacking the transgender community, criminalizing care and ending Medicaid coverage. There isn’t room for politicians in the doctor's office. Medical decisions should be between a patient, their family, and their health care professionals. Throwing doctors, nurses, and parents in jail over providing medical care is extreme and frankly un-American. I will always stand up for the LGBTQ+ community in Connecticut and across the country. If Republicans want to address health care, they should join Democrats to protect access to care and lower costs. Stop these culture war stunts.”
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
December 18, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Rebukes Trump-Backed Trans Health Care Ban, Vows to Continue Fight to Protect LGBTQ+ Youth
Washington, D.C. – Today, following the Trump Administration's latest proposal to bully hospitals out of providing care to transgender youth, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted against another Republican bill to ban trans youth from accessing essential medical care. Today’s vote follows last night’s passage of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s extreme bill to criminalize health care providers that serve transgender Americans under 18.
“President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and my Republican colleagues think they know better than parents and doctors when it comes to the health of our children,” said Larson. “Last night, they pushed through one of the most extreme bills we have ever voted on – a bill to jail doctors, parents, and nurses simply for ensuring their kids can get the care they need. Not even 24 hours after that shameful vote, they want to ban Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care and shut down hospitals that serve trans youth. I trust families to make their own health care decisions in consultation with their doctors and providers. Politicians have no business getting in the way of essential medical care. I stand with our Attorney General, William Tong, who has already been in court to block these discriminatory threats from ever becoming law. Whether it is access to abortion, contraception, or care for LGBTQ+ youth, I will never back down from the fight for health care freedom.”
As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, Rep. Larson is an original cosponsor of the Equality Act, to extend civil rights protections under federal law to LGBTQ+ Americans. He also recently filed briefs at the Supreme Court in opposition to trans health care bans like the proposals House Republicans put forward this week, and in support of state bans on conversion therapy, including Connecticut’s strong antidiscrimination protections.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is co-leading a coalition suing the Trump administration to block those threats of criminal prosecution and federal actions, currently pending in court.
Perosino, Charles
Larson Condemns Trump Cancellation of $1.2 Million in Funding for Hartford Public Schools
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after the Trump Administration pulled over $1.2 million in federal funding for Hartford Public Schools, with no public notice or explanation.
“Hundreds of thousands of kids across Connecticut rely on Department of Education programs to succeed in school, but that has not stopped Donald Trump and Linda McMahon from dismantling the agency brick by brick,” said Larson. “Democrats and Republicans have continuously come together to increase funding for the Full-Service Community Schools program because it works. These grants have had a proven track record – reducing truancy and dropout rates, improving academic achievement, and increasing student engagement inside and outside of the classroom. Canceling this program in the middle of the school year with no announcement, explanation, or approval from Congress, is beyond a disservice to Hartford students. They deserve better from their government. I will do everything I can to protect these essential programs from this president’s cruel cuts.”
After receiving a $2.1 million federal grant in 2023 through the Full-Service Community Schools Program, Hartford School District received notice that the $1,262,656.80 in funding remaining was canceled. These funds are currently supporting programs at M.D. Fox Elementary School, Burr Middle School, and Bulkeley High School, to expand in- and out-of-school student support, career readiness programs, and crime and violence prevention and intervention.
Rep. Larson is a cosponsor of Rep. Jahana Hayes’ Department of Education Protection Act to ensure federal funding is not used to downsize or restructure the Department. He was one of 192 House Democrats who filed an amicus brief in court in support of the multi-state lawsuit opposing President Trump’s order to dismantle these programs.
Perosino, Charles
Larson Condemns Bomb Threats Targeting Congregation Beth Israel and Synagogues Across New England
East Hartford, CT – Today, on the fifth night of Hanukkah, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after bomb threats were sent to Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford, as well as other synagogues across New England.
“This despicable bomb threat, and the rise in antisemitic intimidation targeting Jewish communities, is abhorrent,” said Larson. “Threats against synagogues are not only attacks on Jewish families – they are attacks on our shared values. I stand with Congregation Beth Israel and synagogues across our region, and I am grateful to the West Hartford Police for their swift response to keep the community safe. Antisemitism has no place in Connecticut, the United States of America, or anywhere across the globe. We must continue to confront and root out hate in all its forms.”
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Washington, D.C. - Today, House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) announced the introduction of the American Affordability Act of 2025 with Tax Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (MA-01). Their plan takes on the cost-of-living crisis squeezing families nationwide, with real solutions to expand affordable housing, lower energy bills, cut taxes for working families, help student loan borrowers, and protect households from skyrocketing healthcare premiums.
It includes Rep. Larson’s Neighborhood Homes Investment Act and Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act to expand affordable housing options, as well as his Hydrogen Production and Investment Tax Credit Act to spur the development of clean energy.
“Americans across the country are getting squeezed by high costs everywhere they look, from energy bills to health care premiums, groceries, and rent,” said Larson. “Trump’s cost-raising tariffs, cancellation of clean energy projects, and devastating health care cuts have only made it more difficult for families to make ends meet. While President Trump calls affordability a ‘hoax’ and pushes tax breaks for his billionaire friends, my Democratic colleagues and I are coming together with a real plan that takes on this cost-of-living crisis and cuts taxes for working families, not the wealthy.”
“Families are doing everything right and still falling behind as costs keep rising,” said Thompson. “The American Affordability Act is about real relief for families: affordable housing, lower energy bills, more affordable childcare and healthcare, and bigger paychecks. This bill delivers targeted tax relief and smart investments that help families make ends meet and restores the promise that hard work should be enough to get ahead in our country.”
“While Donald Trump projects and dismisses affordability fears as a ‘hoax,’ Democrats have been and always will be at the front of the fight to lower costs for everyday workers and families. Tax Ranking Member Mike Thompson knows that whether it’s tackling the housing crisis, making childcare more affordable, or lowering health and energy costs, we have so much work to do to ease the minds of the American people and foster opportunity. The American Affordability Act is a blueprint for the next step in our fight for what we are united to deliver: lower costs and easier, better lives,” said Neal.
The American Affordability Act:
Expands Access to Affordable Housing
- Creates the first-ever monthly Renter Tax Credit for individuals and families paying more than 30% of their income on rent and creates a First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit to help low- and middle-income earners
- Creates a new tax credit to bridge the gap between the cost of building or repairing a home and the home’s value once it is built, powering the development of 500,000 affordable, single-family homes over the next ten years
- Incentivizes the conversion of vacant office spaces and other commercial properties into new housing, reserving at least 20% of new units for low-income residents
- Increases the homeowner capital gains tax exemption to encourage more home sales and reduce the cost to buy a home, doubling the threshold to $500,000 for single filers and $1 million for joint filers
Lowers Energy Costs
- Creates a new 30% tax credit for long-range electric transmission to lower the cost of grid modernization projects, taking steps to prevent mass power outages and lower ratepayer bills
- Restores tax credits for homeowners to install home energy efficiency upgrades, solar panels, geothermal, and other cost-reducing power sources
- Spurs the development of American-made clean energy by providing a tax credit to companies that reduce carbon emissions by producing "green" and "blue" hydrogen and fuel cells
- Authorizes tax credits to purchase new and used electric vehicles and electric bikes
Stops Trump Healthcare Price Hikes
- Permanently extends expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits, protecting 112,000 Connecticut residents from sky-high premium hikes
- Prevents insurance providers from dropping vaccine coverage due to Secretary Kennedy’s anti-science restrictions, including coverage for MMR, COVID-19 and Hepatitis B shots
Cuts Taxes for Families and Workers
- Restores the expanded Child Tax Credit for working parents, providing monthly payments of $300 for each child over the age of six and $360 for each child under the age of six
- Extends the Earned Income Tax Credit for adults without children and expands eligibility to cover working young adults
- Permanently extends tax cuts for tipped workers, and expands “no tax on tips” to include automatic gratuities
- Expands the $250 teacher expense tax deduction to include early childhood educators
Makes Childcare More Affordable
- Increases the maximum dependent care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contribution from $7,500 to $10,000, automatically adjusting the contribution limit for inflation
- Creates a new $5,000 refundable tax credit to cover startup costs needed to open family childcare centers
- Makes the adoption tax credit fully refundable, opening the door for more low-income families to pursue adoption
- Creates a new tax credit to support working family caregivers
Helps Student Loan Borrowers
- Doubles the student loan interest tax deduction for married couples, to $2,500 per person and makes any forgiven student loans tax-free
- Expands eligibility for the American Opportunity Tax Credit, to support students during the first six years of their higher education with up to $2,000 per year
- Excludes Pell Grants from income, ensuring aid received through this program is tax-free for students
Other cosponsors of the American Affordability Act include: Wesley Bell (MO-01), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Judy Chu (CA-28), Angie Craig (MN-02), Danny Davis (IL-07), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Dwight Evans (PA-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Bradley Schneider (IL-10), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Dina Titus (NV-01).
Read the full bill text HERE.
Perosino, Charles
Larson Blasts Illegal Trump Desecration of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) blasted President Trump’s illegal attempt to rename the Kennedy Center in honor of himself, describing the sham process to rename the Center and the affixation of Trump’s name to the living memorial as an “abomination.”
“Donald Trump is a ‘narcissistic nihilist’ only consumed with himself and his own vanity – the furthest thing from John F. Kennedy one could imagine,” said Larson. “President Kennedy’s call to put service above self still resonates with people across the country and around the world today. He was a war hero, a president who always put America first, and someone who dignified the Presidency with class, grace, and intellectual wit. He is every bit as relevant today as he was when he served as Commander-in-Chief. Donald Trump’s attempt to affix himself to the living memorial to John F. Kennedy, a president who actually earned the love and respect of his nation, is a clearly narcissistic act of patent envy and jealousy. I join with my House colleagues who sit on the board of the Kennedy Center and were shut out of this sham renaming process – Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Reps. Rick Larsen and Joyce Beatty – as they continue to seek accountability. While President Trump may seek to place his name above our beloved former President, he will never have the impact, grace, or inspiration of John Fitzgerald Kennedy.”
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
December 22, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Blasts Latest Trump Attempt to Halt Revolution Wind Project
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement opposing the Trump Administration’s baseless pause of Revolution Wind, a near-complete offshore wind project that is going to help power more than 350,000 homes in Southern New England and save Connecticut ratepayers over $500 million per year.
“The Trump Administration’s latest ‘pause’ of the Revolution Wind project is just as baseless as their previous attacks on our clean energy economy,” said Larson. “The President has taken an axe to wind energy, solar projects, and our state’s clean hydrogen sector, putting hundreds of people out of work and saddling households across the state with even higher electricity bills. The State of Connecticut, led by Attorney General William Tong, already took him on to halt his illegal stop work order before, and we’re prepared to do it again. I worked with my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee over the last few years to improve our power grid by investing in affordable, reliable clean energy sources – like offshore wind. We cannot afford to undo that progress because Donald Trump thinks climate change is a ‘hoax.’ This attack on Revolution Wind and Connecticut ratepayers must not stand.”
This is not the Trump Administration’s first attempt to block Revolution Wind from powering households in Connecticut. In August, they issued an illegal stop work order, which was blocked in federal court. In September, the Connecticut and Rhode Island Congressional delegations joined together to defeat an amendment on the House floor that would have delayed the Revolution Wind project.
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
December 23, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Condemns Trump Administration Near-Total VA Abortion Ban
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after the Trump Administration implemented an abortion ban at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), even restricting care in cases of rape and incest. In August, Larson introduced the Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act with Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26) to guarantee the right to abortion care at VA facilities.
“It is an affront to our nation’s veterans – who courageously served our country with honor – for the Trump Administration deny them their bodily autonomy, even in cases of rape or incest,” said Larson. “We have long known about the Republican plan to ban abortion nationwide. For women in the twenty states with abortion bans on the books, VA facilities were often the only place they could seek care. Imposing such a sweeping and extreme ban with the stroke of a pen will endanger the lives of pregnant mothers across the country – mothers who stepped up to uphold the freedoms we hold dear. It is shameful for this to be what their Commander-in-Chief sees as a reward. We cannot let this stand, and I am proud to fight for our veterans. We will continue to fight tooth and nail to restore reproductive rights for all Americans.”
In August, Rep. Larson introduced the Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act with Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26) to guarantee the right to abortion care at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act (EACH Act) to require federal healthcare programs, including the VA and TRICARE, to provide coverage for abortion services and requires federal facilities to provide access to those services.
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, twenty states have enacted abortion bans that remain in effect, criminalizing reproductive health care services for millions of women. In 1990, when Larson served as State Senate President pro tempore, Connecticut became the first state to enshrine the right to safe and legal abortion into law since Roe was decided in 1973.
Perosino, Charles
Larson Commends Supreme Court Decision Blocking Trump National Guard Deployment to Chicago
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) commended the Supreme Court’s decision blocking President Trump’s illegal deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago streets against the wishes of state and local officials.
“With less than 48 hours to go before the Christmas holiday, Donald Trump’s wish to make our troops his own personal army just suffered a devastating blow at the Supreme Court,” said Larson. “For months, he has tried to turn the military against the people, telling top leaders that Americans cities should be used as ‘training grounds’ and calling on them to handle the ‘enemy from within.’ Senator Chris Murphy said it best when he said, ‘The authoritarian takeover isn’t coming. It’s here.’ The Supreme Court saw that clearly today. This deployment was an authoritarian abuse of the President's authority as Commander-in-Chief. President Trump continues to view the Constitution as a suggestion, but the Court recognized that the Constitution is the law of the land – not Mr. Trump. People should be encouraged that after a year of this reckless administration’s decisions, public pressure and speaking out still work. We cannot afford to relent.”