RELEASE: LARSON REJECTS TRUMP-BACKED BILL TO RUBBERSTAMP ‘DOGE’ CUTS AND MAKE WAY FOR PREMIUM HIKES ON CONNECTICUT FAMILIES
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
September 19, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted against a Republican government funding bill that would allow the Trump Administration to continue their ‘DOGE’ cuts and make way for double-digit health care premium hikes. House and Senate Democrats offered a plan to keep government open and protect health care access, but Republicans walked away from the table after President Trump told them to “not even bother” negotiating for the American people.
“If Republicans thought they could rush a bill to the floor and Democrats would rubber stamp their cuts, they better think again,” said Larson. “They voted with Donald Trump to kick 15 million Americans off health care and saddle families with skyrocketing premiums. Democrats are ready to work together to keep government open and end this health care crisis, but at the orders of their dear leader Donald Trump, House Republicans have refused to come to the table. I urge my colleagues to show up for the people they are sworn to serve and work with us to prevent a government shutdown.”
House and Senate Democrats, led by Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), put forward an offer to prevent a shutdown that:
- Keeps government funded through October 31st while bipartisan negotiations on a full-year agreement continue
- Reverses cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act from the Republican Budget
- Extends premium tax credits that help over 20 million Americans afford health insurance
- Protects any spending agreement passed by Congress from being ignored by the Trump Administration
- In the wake of recent threats, provides additional funding for security for Members of Congress, executive branch officials, and judges
###
Connect with Congressman Larson Online:
Perosino, Charles
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced the comprehensive Pathways to Health Careers Act, a plan introduced by Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee to address the nationwide health care worker shortage, authorizing and increasing funding for the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program.
The Pathways to Health Careers Act includes Rep. Larson’s Health Opportunities to Promote Equity (HOPE) Act, requiring the federal government to award at least two HPOG grants to each state, among 16 individual bills each introduced by a Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee.
“As our nation, and especially the State of Connecticut, faces a health care worker shortage, we need to do everything we can to invest in training programs that meet the needs of our care providers,” said Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01). “I introduced the HOPE Act to ensure the federal government invests resources directly into growing Connecticut’s health care workforce. I am proud to join with my colleagues to advance it today as part of a comprehensive plan to address this shortage. I will continue to work with my colleagues to invest in the next generation of health care workers ensure all residents have the support they need to secure good-paying jobs.
“Republicans’ Big Ugly Law will cut hospital funding and create worker shortages, posing a serious risk to our nation’s health,” said Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (MA-01). “Renewing the Health Profession Opportunity Grant program will fortify our hospitals against these attacks by creating opportunities for workers to reskill into high-demand health care jobs. I am grateful for the Ways and Means Committee Democrats for their continued commitment to this impactful program.”
“As our economy and health systems struggle due to damaging Republican policies, Congress must invest in proven programs that expand economic opportunity for working families and strengthen our health care,” said Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny K. Davis (IL-07). “Modernizing the Health Profession Opportunity Grant Program will connect a new generation of workers with career pathways to in-demand health care jobs while addressing barriers to employment. I am proud to lead this bill and thank my Democratic colleagues for their continued support of this successful program shown to create jobs and expand access to care.”
Full bill text is available HERE.
A fact sheet on the Pathways to Health Careers is available HERE.
A section-by-section summary of the Pathways to Health Career Act is available HERE.
The comprehensive Pathways to Health Careers Act authorizes and increases funding for new Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) Program demonstration grants, and:
- Provides $10 million to help individuals with arrest or conviction records enter the health profession
- Clarifies that community colleges and technical colleges are eligible for the HPOG program
- Requires enrolled students in HPOG programs to earn industry-recognized credentials, ensuring the training they receive results in a job
- Guarantees that every state will receive at least two HPOG program awards
- Gives priority to applications that would train health care workers in rural communities
- Requires grantees to ensure that participants have access to transportation
- Requires grantees to provide support services that include basic education, English-language proficiency, and childcare
- Authorizes demonstration projects to train doulas, midwives, and other pregnancy and birth professions
- Requires all grant applicants to use publicly available labor market data to ensure they are training workers for in-demand jobs and those with a shortage of trained workers
- Requires each grantee’s case management plan to offer a career coaching service as well as high quality mentoring and peer support
- Gives priority to grant applications that include partnerships among job training and education providers, state and local government, and unions and employers
- Ensures funding to study the effects of HPOG projects, and to evaluate new demonstration projects
- Requires health care workforce training programs that receive federal funds to provide at least the minimum number of hours to meet state and industry standards
- Ensures that any cash stipend or emergency assistance a grantee may provide is not considered income
- Guarantees funding for grants to tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal colleges and universities
- Ensures that hospitals are considered an eligible entity to apply for, and receive grant funds
- Requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide targeted technical assistance with grant applications, implementation, and outcome reporting
- Requires HHS to continue providing in-person peer technical assistance to facilitate grantee-to-grantee peer learning
- Sets aside five percent of total funding for grants to U.S. territories
- Ensures that certain high-quality opioid treatment providers are considered an eligible entity to apply for, and receive grant funds
Perosino, Charles
Washington, D.C. – After the U.S. Department of Homeland Security released a "report" targeting Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01) and Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), for exercising their First Amendment rights to speak out against the Trump Administration, the members gathered on the Capitol steps to vow that they will not be silenced.
View Larson, Crockett, and Jeffries’ video here.
“I am proud and honored to stand with my colleagues and be singled out by President Trump and his minions for standing up for the people in this country who this administration has gone after. This is a badge of honor,” said Larson.
“If you truly believe that ICE is doing what they are supposed to be doing, then they wouldn’t be hiding their faces,” said Crockett. “The rest of law enforcement don’t have to hide their faces because they are not going in and busting people’s windows and taking people down to the ground. So don’t be mad when we accurately describe what is taking place. It is a travesty. I don’t care if you are a Democrat, Republican, or Independent. You should all be offended and concerned if we allow any law enforcement in this country to treat anyone the way that they have treated even U.S. citizens.”
“The Department of Homeland Security has put out a list of people who have spoken out forcefully against the extremism being unleashed on the American people by Donald Trump,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “John Larson is on that list. Jasmine Crockett is on that list. I’m on that list. It’s meant to intimidate us. It doesn’t intimidate us. It inspires us, because it’s clear we are doing the right thing on behalf of the American people. I stand proudly, shoulder to shoulder, with John Larson, Jasmine Crockett, and all of my colleagues who the Trump Administration – the so-called Department of Homeland Security – has singled out for forcefully pushing back against them.”
The Trump Department of Homeland Security’s “report” targeted Reps. Larson, Crockett, and Jeffries, as well as immigrant advocates who have spoken out against ICE’s abusive tactics – including recent raids in Newington and Southington, Connecticut. The leaders reiterated their calls to require ICE agents to identify themselves and bar them from wearing masks.
After the Supreme Court cleared the way last week for federal immigration authorities to make indiscriminate stops based on ethnicity, language, and other factors, Larson and a group of his colleagues introduced the Home Together Act to block the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from sharing records with ICE and other immigration enforcement agencies, including home addresses and ethnicities.
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
September 22, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Applauds Court Order Continuing Revolution Wind Project
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction allowing work to continue on the Revolution Wind project off the coast of Connecticut and Rhode Island.
On August 22nd, the Trump Administration issued a stop work order halting the near-complete Revolution Wind project, citing unidentified “concerns,” but no violation of the law or threat to safety. When complete, the project will help power more than 350,000 homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) estimates that halting Revolution Wind would cost Connecticut ratepayers over $500 million per year. The project supports hundreds of union construction jobs in Connecticut.
“The Trump Administration’s baseless order halting Revolution Wind was set to put hundreds of residents out of work and saddle Connecticut ratepayers with $500 million in additional costs every year,” said Larson. “That is beyond a bad deal for our state. With a president in the Oval Office who calls climate change a ‘hoax,’ we should not be surprised that he set his sights on our clean energy economy – and we were not. I applaud Orsted and Attorney General Tong for not wasting a minute in the fight to defend this project from Donald Trump’s baseless and illegal overreach. The court did the right thing. Now let’s get back to work.”
In 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, including new investments and incentives for solar, clean hydrogen, and wind energy that Rep. Larson championed on the Ways and Means Committee. The Trump Administration’s stop work order for Revolution Wind follows their cancellation of $62.5 million in approved Solar for All grant funding for the State of Connecticut, and repeal of tax credits homeowners rely on to improve energy efficiency, including the installation of solar panels.
On September 10th, led by Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), the Connecticut and Rhode Island Congressional delegations joined together to defeat an amendment on the House floor that would have further delayed the Revolution Wind project.
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
September 24, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
East Hartford, CT – In response to the Trump White House’s latest attacks and accusations, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement.
View Rep. Larson’s response on X.
“Mothers ripped from children, no notice to state or local police, no due process. Trump’s response? Not compassion. Not leadership. Distracting the public by attacking me while families grieve for the victims,” said Larson. “That’s who he is. Always deflecting. Never leading. He’s paranoid. Connecticut just took action to rein in his raids after we exposed what happened in Newington and around the state. From public housing to Congress, we’ve never backed down from bullies like Trump. I’m not starting now. Never have. Never will.”
Last week, Connecticut officials announced a ban on ICE masks and warrantless arrests in state courthouses. In Congress, Rep. Larson is a cosponsor of the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to prevent ICE raids at schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship, and the No Secret Police Act to require ICE agents to identify themselves and bar them from wearing masks to conceal their identities.
Following raids at Newington and Southington car washes where agents separated mothers from their children and a Supreme Court ruling greenlighting ICE racial profiling, Larson and a group of his colleagues introduced the Home Together Act to block the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from sharing home addresses, ethnicities, and other sensitive data with immigration enforcement.
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
September 26, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Statement on the Indictment of Former FBI Director James Comey
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Justice indicted former FBI Director James Comey at the urging of President Trump.
Following complaints from the President that his political adversaries were not facing prosecution, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was fired and replaced with Lindsey Halligan, President Trump’s former personal attorney, who has never prosecuted a case. She signed Director Comey’s indictment.
“Prosecuting political enemies with little to no evidence is straight out of the authoritarian playbook,” said Larson. “In the last couple weeks, President Trump put his thumb on the scales of justice to deliver this phony indictment, led a campaign to try to take Jimmy Kimmel off the air – threatening to pull broadcast licenses from media outlets he did not agree with, and had his Department of Homeland Security issue a ‘report’ attacking top Democrats, including myself, for speaking out forcefully against his policies. This lawfare is what we have come to expect from regimes like Russia and North Korea, not the United States of America. I applaud Director Comey for not backing down and have full confidence he can beat these trumped-up charges. We will continue, as will all Americans, to speak out. America will not be silenced.”
Perosino, Charles
Larson Calls on Nexstar to Stand Up to Trump Bullying Tactics and Restore Jimmy Kimmel to the Air
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) sent a letter urging Nexstar Media Group to return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to the air. Last week, President Trump unsuccessfully tried to weaponize FCC authorities to pull Jimmy Kimmel off the air, threatening to revoke broadcast licenses for media outlets who do not agree with him. While ABC continues to stand by Kimmel, Nexstar is refusing to air Kimmel’s show on the ABC affiliates they own, including WTNH.
“This is about more than any individual comedian. The Trump Administration has made it clear that they will attempt to use their bully pulpit to cancel and censor speech it dislikes. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr’s threats and President Trump’s social media posts have made it clear that the goal is not lawful regulation, but removing criticism of the President,” Larson wrote.
“Nexstar is currently working to complete a $6 billion acquisition of Tegna, which is subject to approval by Chairman Carr. Their decision to remove Jimmy Kimmel Live! from your broadcast schedule raises serious concerns that decisions are being made, not in the public interest, but to secure a financial deal with an administration imposing unconstitutional conditions,” Larson continued. “I urge WTNH and Nexstar to stand up to the bully tactics of the Trump Administration and reconfirm their commitment to free speech on our public airways by restoring Jimmy Kimmel Live! to your broadcast schedule.”
Larson’s full letter to WTNH is available HERE and below:
I am writing to express my serious concern with Nexstar Media Group’s decision not to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! This decision raises serious doubts regarding Nexstar’s commitment to free speech and ability to serve the public.
This is about more than any individual comedian. The Trump Administration has made it clear that they will attempt to use their bully pulpit to cancel and censor speech it dislikes. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr’s threats and President Trump’s social media posts have made it clear that the goal is not lawful regulation, but removing criticism of the President. The Administration’s tactics are simply attempts at bullying individuals and corporations to accept their demands, rather than faithfully upholding the law.
When broadcasters were entrusted with the airwaves in 1927, they were empowered to protect the free and fair flow of information to their viewers. Equally important, they were given the critical role of getting necessary information about public health and safety to their communities. Many of my constituents rely on broadcasts like yours for all their information about fires, floods, and to otherwise keep their families safe. Censoring content – like Jimmy Kimmel Live! – betrays Nexstar’s obligation to provide information without fear or favor.
As you know, Nexstar is currently working to complete a $6 billion acquisition of Tegna, which is subject to approval by Chairman Carr. Their decision to remove Jimmy Kimmel Live! from your broadcast schedule raises serious concerns that decisions are being made, not in the public interest, but to secure a financial deal with an administration imposing unconstitutional conditions.
I urge WTNH and Nexstar to stand up to the bully tactics of the Trump Administration and reconfirm their commitment to free speech on our public airways by restoring Jimmy Kimmel Live! to your broadcast schedule.
Perosino, Charles
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01), a member of the House Trade Subcommittee, called for a full House vote on his bill to require Congressional approval before tariffs can be imposed on consumers, after the President announced plans for new tariffs on prescription drugs, trucks, and furniture.
In April, Larson introduced a bill with Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38) and every Democrat on the Trade Subcommittee to require Congress to vote before these tariffs could go into effect. He is also a cosponsor of the Health Care Affordability Act to extend expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits that help 20 million Americans afford their premiums.
According to the Yale Budget Lab, President Trump’s tariffs, even before yesterday’s new announcement, will cost the average family at least $2,300 per year.
“Millions of Americans are already facing premium hikes of hundreds if not thousands thanks to Republican inaction. said Larson. “Now, the President is doubling down on his health care crisis, hiking the cost of prescription drugs and increasing prices on a new slew of goods ahead of the holiday season with yet another round of tariffs. Democrats have a bill to end this tax increase on American consumers now. If my Republican colleagues are serious about lowering costs for families, they will call a vote.”
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
September 30, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Calls for Real Negotiations to End Trump Shutdown and Health Care Crisis
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after Senate Republicans rejected a plan to keep government open. Speaker Johnson previously canceled votes and recessed the House for the week, leaving the nation barreling toward a government shutdown.
Under the Republican budget President Trump signed into law, 15 million Americans stand to lose health coverage, including 37,000 residents of Connecticut's First District. If Affordable Care Act tax credits expire, 19,000 CT-01 residents will see premiums spike, and the average family of four will see their annual premiums rise by $2,571. Democrats offered a plan to keep government open and end this health care crisis, but Donald Trump told Republicans to “not even bother” negotiating.
“Donald Trump told his Republican minions to prioritize politics over people, because he believes he can shut down government to enact his agenda while placing blame on Democrats,” said Larson. “Some of the American people may have been born at night, but not last night. They know this is absolutely wrong. All of this is coming from a president who has never had to worry about the cost of health care or groceries – the real things that keep working families up at night. He does not care about working people. He will not lose a moment’s sleep thinking about anyone who will suffer because of this shutdown, his Medicaid cuts, or the skyrocketing health care costs he signed into law. Unlike House Republicans who left town once President Trump told them to ‘not even bother’ negotiating, our priority is the people. Democrats have a plan to keep government open and protect Americans from rising premiums. We are ready to end this shutdown and Donald Trump’s health care crisis. Republicans need to stop taking marching orders from their out-of-touch president and come to the table.”
House and Senate Democrats, led by Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), put forward an offer to prevent a shutdown that:
- Keeps government funded through October 31st while bipartisan negotiations on a full-year agreement continue
- Reverses cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act from the Republican Budget
- Extends premium tax credits that help over 20 million Americans afford health insurance
- Protects any spending agreement passed by Congress from being ignored by the Trump Administration
- In the wake of recent threats, provides additional funding for security for Members of Congress, executive branch officials, and judges
###
Perosino, Charles
Larson Statement on White House Withdrawal of Embattled Nominee EJ Antoni
Washington, D.C. – Today, House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after the White House withdrew EJ Antoni’s nomination for Commissioner of Labor Statistics. Antoni is a top economist at the Heritage Foundation, a MAGA think tank, and contributed to the Project 2025 playbook, which included a plan to raise the retirement age to 70.
“Public pressure still works. When Donald Trump tried to install a Project 2025 lackey determined to end Social Security, Americans noticed,” said Larson. “But make no mistake about it – this President’s war on math is not over. It may have begun when he was desperately looking for a scapegoat after a weak jobs report, but Bureau of Labor Statistics data is what determines the annual cost of living adjustment for Social Security benefits. Seniors are counting on Senate Republicans to hold the line with Democrats against another yes-man willing to doctor data for Trump. They can’t afford ego boosts at the expense of their hard-earned benefits.”
Following Antoni’s nomination, Larson called on the United States Senate to reject his appointment and led a group of his Democratic colleagues urging U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer to take action to protect economic data from political meddling.
Former Commissioner of Labor Statistics Erika McEntarfer was fired by President Trump after a weak jobs report. EJ Antoni, President Trump’s initial nominee to replace her, suggested Social Security should be shut down and managed a Twitter account known for anti-gay slurs and misogynistic attacks aimed at former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
October 3, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Statement on UAW Local 379 Strike at Cummins – Jacobs Vehicle Systems Bloomfield Facility
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after UAW Local 379, representing nearly 240 members at Cummins - Jacobs Vehicle Systems in Bloomfield, went on strike.
“I stand with the hard-working men and women of UAW Local 379 standing up for the pay, sick leave, and job security they rightfully deserve,” said Larson. “It was my honor to join their practice picket last week in Bloomfield, where UAW members sent Cummins management a clear message that they are serious and stand united against corporate greed. Soaring company profits are paying off for shareholders, while the workers who power these earnings are being left behind. Cummins needs to come to the table for good faith negotiations that do right by their workers, and a fair contract respecting their hard work.”
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
October 5, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Condemns New Trump Plan to Strip Disability Benefits
East Hartford, CT – Today, House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) blasted the Trump Administration’s latest proposal to deny Social Security disability benefits, calling it “cruel, reckless, and proof that Donald Trump never met a benefit he didn’t want to cut.”
This follows last month’s plan by the White House to cut Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for up to 400,000 people. These cuts are reportedly priorities of Russell Vought, a Project 2025 architect who now serves as President Trump’s Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
“It is not enough for Donald Trump to shut down the government so 15 million Americans lose their health care and millions more see their premiums skyrocket,” said Larson. “Now he wants to go after Americans with disabilities – people who have worked their entire lives – only to be told they are on their own when they need help most. This is the same group of Trump operatives who threatened to raise the retirement age and gut Social Security. Whether it is health care, food assistance, or Social Security, Donald Trump’s mission is the same: cut benefits for working people and hand the ‘savings’ to billionaires on Wall Street. Democrats will not let that happen. We will fight tooth and nail to protect the basic support Americans have earned. These programs are not giveaways, they are promises. Breaking those promises – that's not leadership – it's betrayal. Not on our watch!”
As of 2022, almost 42 percent of disability applicants were found eligible due to their age, a factor that would be severely curtailed under the Trump Administration’s new plan. In 2020, the Trump Administration weighed a similar rule to restrict disability benefits in the middle of the COVID pandemic. Additionally, their plan to limit eligibility for SSI would reduce or eliminate benefits for nearly 400,000 Americans, including an estimated 4,300 Connecticut residents.
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
October 6, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Congratulates UAW Local 379 Members on New Contract with Cummins – Jacobs Vehicle Systems
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement applauding news of a new contract between UAW Local 379, representing nearly 240 workers in Bloomfield, and Cummins – Jacobs Vehicle Systems.
On Friday, UAW members went on strike amid stalled contract talks. The new contract approved on Sunday includes a 15 percent general wage increase, new paid leave protections, and guaranteed retirement and pension benefits.
Rep. Larson with striking UAW Local 379 workers outside Cummins – Jacobs Vehicle Systems in Bloomfield
“I am glad to see an agreement for better pay and benefits between UAW Local 379 and Cummins that their workforce has earned and deserves,” said Larson. “Workers in Bloomfield sent a clear message to management this weekend that they were serious and would not accept peanuts while company profits soar. It was my honor to join their practice picket and stand with them on strike for a fair contract. I congratulate the members of UAW Local 379 on this hard-fought win and will continue to stand up in Congress to protect the right to organize for all workers.”
In Congress, Rep. Larson is an original cosponsor of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, to strengthen federal labor laws protecting collective bargaining rights, including provisions that hold employers accountable for violating workers’ rights, protect workers from anti-union captive audience meetings, and safeguard free and fair union elections from outside intimidation or interference.
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
October 7, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Washington, D.C. – Today, House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny K. Davis (IL-07) sent a letter to Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano demanding answers about how Social Security intends to rollout their plan ending paper checks, while still ensuring Americans without access to online banking can still receive their monthly benefits.
On March 25th, President Trump issued an executive order ending paper checks for monthly benefits, giving beneficiaries until September 30th to enroll in direct deposit or seek a waiver if they are currently receiving a paper check.
“While electronic payments can offer advantages over paper checks, many disadvantaged Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries have no option other than to rely on paper checks,” the lawmakers wrote. “They may live in remote rural areas without banks or access to online banking, or they may face other barriers that would impose significant hardship if they attempted to switch to electronic payments. For these beneficiaries, paper checks are the only viable means of receiving their essential earned benefits that typically constitute all or most of their income.”
“We also are concerned about the agency’s ability to execute this transition while ensuring all beneficiaries continue to receive their monthly benefits at the same time when SSA has reduced staffing by 12% and reassigned staff internally,” the lawmakers continued.
During the current government shutdown, 12% of Social Security’s workforce is furloughed, while others remain on the job without pay. In addition, under the Trump Administration and Elon Musk’s ‘DOGE,’ 7,000 employees are being cut from the Social Security Administration (SSA), worsening a critical staffing crisis at the agency.
Beneficiaries who do not enroll in direct deposit or complete a waiver are still entitled to their benefits and will receive checks – something SSA has failed to clarify, causing confusion.
View Larson and Davis’s full letter HERE and below:
Dear Commissioner Bisignano,
We write to express concern about the agency’s rollout of Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments to and From America’s Bank Account, which aims to require all federal payees, including Social Security Administration (SSA) beneficiaries, to receive payments electronically.
While electronic payments can offer advantages over paper checks, many disadvantaged Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries have no option other than to rely on paper checks. They may live in remote rural areas without banks or access to online banking, or they may face other barriers that would impose significant hardship if they attempted to switch to electronic payments. For these beneficiaries, paper checks are the only viable means of receiving their essential earned benefits that typically constitute all or most of their income.
We are encouraged by SSA’s assurances to Congress that no beneficiary will have payments cut off just because they did not respond promptly to a request to provide bank account information or enroll in Direct Express, and that SSA will issue paper checks to beneficiaries over age 90 and those that have no other viable option. We appreciate that statements on your web site have reiterated those assurances.
However, we are deeply concerned that the written notices provided to beneficiaries who currently receive paper checks lack either these reassurances or information on how to apply for a waiver, and the scripts followed by SSA’s national 1-800 number agents and field office customer service staff may also lack this vital information. We also are concerned about the agency’s ability to execute this transition while ensuring all beneficiaries continue to receive their monthly benefits at the same time when SSA has reduced staffing by 12% and reassigned staff internally.
To better understand the agency’s strategy, please provide a written response to the following questions within two weeks:
1. Will SSA stop delivery of paper checks to any beneficiary who currently receives them
and has not yet filed a waiver?
2. Have SSA employees answering calls and staffing local field offices been instructed to
reassure fearful seniors and individuals with disabilities that their checks are not
stopping? Please provide copies of all scripts being given to staff.
3. What communications has SSA sent to beneficiaries who currently receive paper checks? Please provide copies of all beneficiary notices or other written communications,
specifying the method and date(s) the information was sent.
4. Have any of SSA’s written communications to beneficiaries who currently receive paper
checks informed them of their right to seek a waiver to continue receiving paper checks,
and explained the process to request such a waiver?
a. If so, which communications and when?
b. If not, why?
5. How does SSA plan to help beneficiaries with transitioning to electronic payments or
requesting a waiver for paper checks, while simultaneously dealing with staff cuts?
6. What specific training, if any, have SSA employees received to effectively help
beneficiaries with this transition?
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Perosino, Charles
Larson Condemns Illegal Trump Deployment of Texas Troops to Chicago Streets
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) blasted Donald Trump’s decision to deploy Texas National Guard troops in Chicago, against the wishes of state and local officials, calling it a “dangerous abuse of power by a wannabe dictator.”
“Day by day, Donald Trump is trying to turn our military into his own personal army,” said Larson. “He’s sending Texas troops into Illinois to inflame chaos, just like he sent ICE to Chicago to terrorize families and gas peaceful protesters. We’ve seen these Gestapo tactics before, when masked agents snatched visa holders in unmarked vans and separated mothers from their children right here in Connecticut. This is not law and order. It’s lawlessness straight out of the White House. My Republican colleagues have a choice. They can stand up for the Constitution or stand with Trump’s authoritarian power grab. I know where I stand – with the people, our laws, and an America that believes no one is above them.”
In September, Larson similarly called on Congress to step in after a federal judge found President Trump’s deployment of troops in Los Angeles to be illegal. He has championed the No Secret Police Act, to stop the use of unmarked and masked federal forces in American cities.
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
October 8, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Demands Trump Officials Reinstate Canceled Projects to Lower Energy Costs
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) demanded U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright immediately reinstate funding for clean energy projects canceled by the Trump White House as political retaliation during the government shutdown. $14,108,090 in federal funding was pulled from the First District, including a project to reduce emissions and funding to advance clean hydrogen research and lower fuel costs.
On October 1st, Project 2025 architect and Trump Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought announced the unilateral cancellation of $8 billion in federal funding committed to states that voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 Presidential Election.
“Connecticut has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research to build a more resilient power grid and expand the deployment of affordable, American-made clean energy,” said Larson. “This funding was approved by Congress, and for many projects, work on the ground is already complete. The Trump Administration doesn’t want to lower costs – they want to stoke division by punishing their political enemies, even at the expense of American innovation, global leadership, and millions of taxpayer dollars. Their top budget official even bragged on social media about canceling projects in blue states. Stop these childish games and reinstate these funds now.”
Upon learning that Vought’s list included $52.9 million for Connecticut projects, the entire Congressional delegation came together to call out this illegal attempt to bully blue states.
“The projects that the Department of Energy (DOE) has unilaterally decided to cancel were driving down costs for all our constituents—regardless of their political affiliation,” Larson and his colleagues wrote in their letter to Secretary Wright. “Household electric bills have already increased 10% nationally since January 2025 and are poised to spike even further. This Administration’s reckless energy policy and award terminations, designed to stifle the development of cheap clean energy and prop up more expensive dirty energy, will only further increase the cost burden for families to keep the lights on.”
The members demanded DOE take the following actions by Tuesday, October 14th:
- Suspend all terminations and de-obligations and reinstate the projects.
- Provide a complete list of affected awards (office, recipient, state, award number, selection date, federal obligation, non-federal cost share, milestone status) along with the project-specific written justification for termination.
- Identify the specific statutory and regulatory authorities relied upon for these mass post-award terminations.
- Preserve and provide all Department of Energy records, memoranda, and communications related to the review and termination of these awards, including those resulting from the May 2025 Secretarial memorandum “Ensuring Responsibility for Financial Assistance.”
- Describe DOE’s process for recipient appeals and dispute resolution, including timelines, decision-makers, and whether interim funding will be permitted to avoid waste while appeals are pending.
The members’ full letter to Secretary Wright is available HERE.
The full list of Department of Energy projects that were terminated, including the 12 in Connecticut, are available HERE.
Perosino, Charles
Larson Announces Bill to Protect Funding for WIC Benefits During Government Shutdown
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced the Continuity and Reimbursement for Essential Nutrition (CARE) for WIC During Shutdowns Act with Rep. Gabe Amo (RI-01) to protect access to nutrition benefits during the Republican government shutdown.
Their bill would ensure states are reimbursed for any costs they incur to keep Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs running during a government shutdown. Earlier today, Governor Lamont authorized state funding to support WIC programs during the shutdown.
“Mothers and their children should not go hungry because Republicans in Congress shut down the government when they didn’t get their way,” said Larson. “Governor Lamont did the right thing today by stepping up to ensure WIC benefits continue throughout the shutdown, but our state should not have to pay the price for Trump’s failure to govern. Our CARE for WIC Act is a common-sense plan to ensure states like Connecticut that step in to feed families during this time are reimbursed when government re-opens. We will not back down from this fight to re-open government and protect families from rising costs. The people are our priority – today and every day.”
More than 52,000 Connecticut residents receive WIC support, including 30,000 children, 11,000 infants, and 11,000 pregnant and postpartum women. It costs the state $200,000/day to run.
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
October 9, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Statement on ‘First Phase’ of Gaza Peace Plan to Bring Home Hostages
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement on news of the ‘first phase’ of a peace plan between Israel and Hamas to pause fighting in Gaza and bring the remaining hostages home.
“Two years since the horrific October 7th attacks, I am encouraged to hear that there is an agreement to bring home all remaining hostages from their Hamas captors and bring an end to the war in Gaza that has caused immense suffering for so many,” said Larson. “I urge everyone involved in negotiations to remain committed to the terms of the agreement that have been put forward. U.S. leadership must continue to do everything it can to facilitate progress toward a lasting peace.”
Perosino, Charles
Larson Warns Trump Furloughs Could Delay Social Security COLA
East Hartford, CT – Today, House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) warned Americans that excessive staff furloughs at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) during the Republican shutdown could delay the annual Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
“After Donald Trump shut down the government, he left only one person working at the Bureau of Labor Statistics – the agency whose data will determine next year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment,” said Larson. “That’s no coincidence. This president tried to meddle with their data before when he got a weak jobs report, and now his ego-driven BLS takeover could leave our nation’s seniors guessing what their future benefits will be. During this cost-of-living crisis, Americans on Social Security can’t afford a delayed COLA. Millions of seniors rely on their earned benefits to pay rent, heat their homes, and put food on the table. I guess some rich kid from New York wouldn’t understand that, but Americans know a con when they see one. Donald, it’s time for you and your Republican minions in Congress to re-open government, end your health care crisis, and get our agencies back to work for the people.”
After his first attempt to meddle with labor data, Ranking Member Larson called out Trump’s firing of the then-Commissioner of Labor Statistics and his subsequent nomination of EJ Antoni, a Project 2025 contributor who called for Social Security to be shut down. His nomination was pulled after public outcry.
Perosino, Charles
Larson Blasts Trump’s Sham Indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after President Donald Trump’s allies indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James, following a similar politically motivated indictment against former FBI Director James Comey, and yesterday’s threat from the President to jail political opponents, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
“Donald Trump is corrupting the justice system to punish his political enemies,” said Larson. “He’s calling for governors to be jailed and deploying National Guard troops onto city streets. That is not law and order. It is lawlessness straight out of the Oval Office. These are the tactics of authoritarian dictators like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, not American presidents. Attorney General Letitia James is a fierce defender of democracy and the rule of law. We must stand together against Trump's attempt to turn our justice system into a political weapon.”
Perosino, Charles
For Immediate Release:
October 10, 2025
Contact:
Charles Perosino 202-209-3828
Larson Applauds Court Order Blocking Trump Deployment of Troops to Chicago
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded a court order issued late last night blocking the deployment of National Guard troops to the Chicago area. Earlier this week, President Trump ordered Texas National Guard troops deployed to Chicago, against the wishes of state and local officials.
“Chris Murphy said it best on the floor of the Senate when he said, ‘The authoritarian takeover isn’t coming. It’s here,’” said Larson. “Donald Trump wants to turn our military into his own personal army. He told top military leaders that Americans cities should be used as ‘training grounds,’ calling on them to handle the ‘enemy from within.’ Connecticut saw his Gestapo tactics up close when mothers were snatched from their children by masked ICE agents in Newington this summer. Every day, I’m hearing from constituents at town halls and across the First District who see this for what it is. Judge Perry got it right last night when she stood up for the rule of law against Trump’s lawless and vindictive order. Americans – both elected officials and everyday citizens – must stand together to stop Donald Trump’s power grab. Just like the people spoke out for free speech when Trump tried to take Jimmy Kimmel off the air, people ought to speak out against what he is doing with our National Guard. We the people will not be silenced.”
Perosino, Charles
East Hartford, CT – Today, after Ranking Member Larson warned that excessive furloughs at BLS during the Republican shutdown could delay the annual Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), the Trump Administration reversed course. House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement:
“After Donald Trump shut down the government, he left only one person working at the agency whose data will determine next year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. Seniors struggling to make ends meet can’t afford a delayed COLA. Wealthy New York real estate developers like Donald might not understand that, but families living paycheck to paycheck know what’s at stake. I am glad to see the Administration reverse course after we warned beneficiaries what these excessive furloughs could mean – but as the saying goes, ‘Trust everyone, but cut the cards.’ This president tried to meddle with economic data after a weak jobs report earlier this year, and he could try to do it again. Democrats will be watching closely to make sure Donald Trump does not let his ego get in the way of the full COLA seniors deserve.”
After his first attempt to meddle with labor data, Ranking Member Larson called out Trump’s firing of the then-Commissioner of Labor Statistics and his subsequent nomination of EJ Antoni, a Project 2025 contributor who called for Social Security to be shut down. His nomination was pulled after public outcry.
###
Perosino, Charles
Larson Blasts Illegal Trump Federal Worker Firing Spree
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) blasted Donald Trump’s illegal purge of federal workers, calling it “an assault on democracy and the middle class.” According to reports, mass terminations are underway across federal agencies under the direction of Project 2025 architect and Trump budget director Russell Vought. Two major unions representing federal employees, AFSCME and AFGE, have already filed suit to stop this unlawful campaign.
“First, Donald Trump shut down the government to rip health care away from millions of Americans. Now he’s firing career civil servants – the people who protect our air and water, investigate tax cheats, and keep government working for the people,” said Larson. “He’s treating public service like a loyalty test and turning federal workers into political targets. These are the actions of a wannabe dictator who punishes anyone that doesn’t bend the knee. The ‘Union-Buster-in-Chief’ is gutting the workforce that keeps America running so he can reward his wealthy friends. I stand shoulder to shoulder with AFGE, AFSCME, and every worker fighting back in court. Democrats in Congress won't let Trump pillage the workforce and programs families rely on without a fight. The only question left is whether our Republican colleagues will ever find the backbone to stand up to this lawless president.”