Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (D-CT) released the following statement after the Congressional Budget Office, an independent and nonpartisan body, found that schemes to raise the retirement age, like those proposed by House Republicans, would slash annual benefits by 13 percent for today’s workers: “With... Read More »
(As prepared for delivery) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to our witnesses for being here today. When they are able to receive it, TANF can play an important role in making ends meet each month for families with children across the country. Bridging the gap on affording basic necessities while also helping parents and other caregivers find meaningful work and build a better life. Unfortunately... Read More »
Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member released the following statement after the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced enforcement action under the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA): “Today’s timber enforcement action demonstrates the unwavering commitment of USTR and the Biden-Harris Administration to protecting our workers and environment. Step-by-step the Admin... Read More »
Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced its latest decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points: “The Biden-Harris Administration powered a historic economic recovery through bold fiscal policy centered on American workers and families. Even as strong marker after strong marker con... Read More »
A community college in western Massachusetts has finished work on a new regional cybersecurity center. Officials gathered to mark the occasion this week as students start to take advantage of the facility. Following a lengthy redevelopment, Union Station in Springfield, Massachusetts, has become a hub for train and bus travel again over the past few years. It’s also now home to a cybersecurity cen... Read More »
The Springfield Museums today announced a partnership with the Office of Public Works of Ireland to showcase artifacts that represent the historic connection between Western Massachusetts and County Kerry, Ireland. The first exhibit honoring the relationship is now on display in the lobby of the Wood Museum of Springfield History. It is titled Gone Now, To Springfield: Celebrating the Legacy of th... Read More »
Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the Biden-Harris Administration finalized action to hold China accountable for unfair trade practices: “Standing up for American workers and protecting them from unfair trade practices has been among the hallmark achievements of the Biden-Harris Administration, and today’s action shows that even a... Read More »
Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus, released the following statement after the British government announced that it will be launching a public inquiry into the 1989 murder of Solicitor Pat Finucane. “On February 12, 1989, loyalist gunmen with links to British security forces broke into the Belfast home of Pat Finucane with a sledgehammer. Up... Read More »
(As prepared for delivery) Thank you, Mr. Chairman for your kind words about our dear friend. This room certainly doesn’t feel the same without the inimitable Bill Pascrell. He was one of a kind, with a spirit that they just don’t make anymore. He will be remembered for his courageous fights and his ability to check politics on the dais. Billy could go after anyone and still share a laugh (and may... Read More »
First Resource Development Co. is marking the completion – and full occupancy – of 96 apartments in the former Knox Automobile Co. factory building in Mason Square. The project wraps a 12-year, $100 million effort to bring 295 affordable apartments to both Knox — where the first fire truck was built in 1906 — and to the neighboring 199-unit Indian Motorcycle apartments across Wilbraham Road. Gordo... Read More »
Letter Text (PDF) Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal sent a letter to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, voicing his support for the Prime Minister Starmer’s commitment to revisiting and repealing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act of 2023. The legislation, which became law in September 2023, halted all historical inquests into more than 1,000 un... Read More »
Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s announcement that it would pursue enforcement consultations with Canada under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): “Trading relationships are only as strong as the enforcement that follows, and with today’s announcement, Ambassador Tai is once agai... Read More »
Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement commemorating the 30th anniversary of the IRA ceasefire in Ireland. “Thirty years ago, I joined in the celebration of the announcement that the IRA had declared its first ceasefire of the Troubles. Later that evening, at the direction of then-Speaker of the House Tom Foley, I traveled to Ireland to observe the ceasefire and meet w... Read More »
A coalition of the Bay State’s lawmakers on Capitol Hill have called on bankrupt Steward Health Care to look after some 1,200 workers set to lose their jobs at month’s end. “Steward must finally act responsibly toward its workers and pay them the severance and accumulated paid time off they are owed,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter sent Thursday to Steward CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre and the compan... Read More »
Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) issued the following statement on the passing of Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ): “To say I am heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it. Billy was the type of fighter they don’t make anymore. For 16 years, he has been the heart of the Ways and Means Democrats, bringing vigor and tenacity to all our work. Bi... Read More »
