News Facts at The Ponder News May 23, 2025

On May 21, 2025, during the hearing titled “Unleashing a New Golden Age: Using Federal Lands to Power Technological Innovation,” U.S. Representative Pablo Hernandez (Puerto Rica Resident Commissioner) urged Congress to uphold public policies that support the expansion of data centers and the use of renewable energy, in order to maintain U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. “Artificial Intelligence is not a toy. It’s not a trend. It’s a revolution on the scale of the personal computer, the internet, the smartphone—even the printing press. We cannot afford to fall behind,” he stated.

On May 21, 2025, U.S Representative Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly (D-VA, 11th) passed away after a battle with escophageal cancer. U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT, 4th) released the following statement: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague Gerry Connolly. I met Gerry on my very first day in Congress, and have looked to him often for guidance and advice in the decades since. I was lucky to work by his side as Ranking Members, and to lean on his leadership and his unparalleled knowledge of Congressional oversight and foreign policy. In these halls, Gerry was known for a deep commitment to our democratic institution, an incisive sense of humor, and the kindness he showed members, staff, reporters, and constituents alike. Gerry will be missed dearly here in DC, and by the people of Virginia whom he fought for so fiercely. My heart is with his family in this difficult time.”

On May 22, 2025, U.S. Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK, 1st) celebrated the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act in the House of Representatives. He stated: “President Trump and the American people gave us a clear mandate; today we delivered,” said Rep. Hern. “While Democrats have been demagoguing and fearmongering, spreading lies about what this legislation does or doesn’t do, Republicans have been working hard to deliver real relief to working families and small businesses. I am proud of the work we did on this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

U.S. Representative French Hill (R-AR, 2nd) voted to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act, and what he called "a major legislative victory that delivers real results for central Arkansas" and includes two of his own bills focused on helping Arkansans save, invest, and build a stronger future. He stated: “This bill is a critical win for families and small businesses in central Arkansas. It prevents the largest tax hike in American history and puts us back on the path to smart, sustainable economic policy. It reflects tried and true conservative, pro-growth principles — spending discipline, tax relief, and restoring the integrity of programs that many Arkansans rely on like Medicaid and SNAP. It also sends a clear signal that House Republicans are serious about governing and delivering results for our constituents and for the American people."

"This bill is promises made, promises kept in action. Iowans overwhelmingly voted for President Trump’s America First agenda—ending illegal immigration and preventing dangerous criminals and drugs from entering our communities, cutting wasteful spending, and unleashing American energy. Throughout this process, I was proud to champion provisions to help working families keep more of their hard-earned dollars, including expanding the child tax credit, making small business tax cuts permanent, and eliminating taxes on tips. This would not have been possible without President Trump’s leadership, and I look forward to working with him to get this transformational legislation signed into law,” stated U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA, 1st).

"Democrats have been misleading the public for months—but we stayed focused and got the job done. Simply put—President Trump and House Republicans are keeping our promises by putting America First and, in doing so, will unlock a new golden age of prosperity for our country from sea to shining sea, stated U.S. Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN, 9th).

Not all of the House Members were happy about the bill, however.

“The way Congressional Republicans conduct business in the dead of night matches the way they approach policy that harms their own constituents – it’s absolutely asinine,” said U.S. Representative Steven Horsford (D-NV, 4th). “Nevadans deserve a government that prioritizes public health, food security, community safety, education and a dignified retirement for all who earn it. Instead, Republicans just stiffed the Silver State, and every state, with a bill to pay off their billionaire campaign donors and corporate backers.”

"Today, Republicans have voted to make the most vulnerable Americans even poorer so that the wealthiest among us can get even further ahead. I hope my colleagues in the Senate vote against this abhorrent legislation, just as I did today. This is not 'one big beautiful bill.' This is one big backbreaking burden on working Americans," said U.S. Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th).

"House Republicans rammed through a bill that gives millionaires and billionaires a multi-trillion-dollar tax break and pays for it by taking food from children, health care from millions and defunding Planned Parenthood. It puts extreme restrictions on abortion coverage on health exchange plans and guts environmental protections, all while exploding the national debt," claimed U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (D-OR, 4th).

On May 23, 2025, A federal judge blocked the Trump Administration from dismantling the Department of Education and ordered the immediate rehiring of "unlawfully terminated staff". The ruling directly cited an amicus brief, which U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT, 5th) signed onto and helped lead along with 192 House Democrats.

On May 23, 2025, Senator Jon Husted (R-OH) cosponsored Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IO) and Ben Ray Luján’s (D-NM) resolution to recognize May as National Foster Care Month. Their resolution passed the Senate.