News from Washington D.C.
Legislative Highlights
Manning Introduces the Countering Antisemitism Act
Congresswoman Manning, Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, introduced the Countering Antisemitism Act, bicameral, bipartisan legislation that would take comprehensive action to strengthen federal efforts to combat antisemitism in the United States.
Antisemitism has been steadily on the rise for years, but in the months since the October 7th attack by Hamas on Israel, the Anti-Defamation League found there had been a 360% increase in antisemitic incidents in the U.S..
"This critically needed legislation is a comprehensive approach to strengthening federal efforts to combat antisemitism and protect the Jewish community by codifying portions of the President’s first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and establishing a National Coordinator in the White House to oversee an Interagency Task Force to Counter Antisemitism," said Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06). "This Act requires law enforcement to ensure robust threat assessment reporting, enhances education about the history of antisemitism and the dangers posed not just to Jews but to Democracy, requires an analysis of online antisemitism with recommendations to Congress, supports the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and more."
The bill also appoints a special official in the Department of Education to assess and report directly to the Secretary on antisemitism on college campuses and in K-12 schools.
Congresswoman Manning is the first Jewish woman to represent North Carolina in Congress and was the first woman Chair of the Jewish Federations of North America.
Read the bill here, and watch Congresswoman Manning and co-sponsor Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX) speak about the bill here.
Congresswoman Manning introduced this legislation alongside Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ-4), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Randy Weber (R-TX-14), Grace Meng (D-NY-06), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), and Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), and Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NC) and James Lankford (R-OK).
Manning Votes to Pass Critical Foreign Aid Package
On April 22, 2024, Congresswoman Manning voted to pass a package of four bills to send critical aid to our democratic allies: Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. It also includes funding for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The passage of these bills comes following months of pressure from House Democrats to bring aid to the House Floor for a vote. The Senate then swiftly passed the bill, and on April 24, 2024, President Biden signed it into law.
Congresswoman Manning spoke on the House Floor in favor of H.R.8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. Watch her remarks below.
Manning Votes to Pass Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen America's Workforce
Congresswoman Manning, Chair of the New Democrat Coalition Workforce Development Task Force and Member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, voted to pass H.R.6655, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and improve the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
WIOA was enacted in 2014 to streamline federal workforce development programs. This legislation makes crucial updates to WIOA programs to expand and enhance skills development and bolster connections between employers and the workforce system.
"The Stronger Workforce for America Act, which I proudly cosponsored, brings much-needed updates to the country’s federal workforce development system to encourage innovation, help equip workers with the skills they need to take on good-paying jobs across various industries, ensure employers can fill job openings, and in turn, boost local economies,” said Congresswoman Kathy Manning. “As a steadfast advocate for workforce development and apprenticeship programs, I’m proud to vote for this bipartisan legislation that will benefit workers, students, and employers across North Carolina and the Sixth District.”
North Carolina Democrats Call for Protections for IVF
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In vitro fertilization (IVF), a method used by many Americans to start families, has been under attack following the Alabama Supreme Court ruling in February 2024 that classified embryos as people.
This extreme ruling could embolden judges and legislators in other states - including North Carolina - to enact similar policies. Congresswoman Manning joined the North Carolina Democratic delegation in a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson calling for the federal protection of IVF.
"We cannot accept this latest attempt to control women, their bodies, and their ability to have a family," wrote the Members. "When Congress reconvenes in May, we strongly urge you to put meaningful legislation to protect access to IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies on the House floor."
Read the full letter here.
Manning Calls for Reauthorization of the Affordable Connectivity Program
For the past three years, hardworking families across the country have benefited from the Affordable Connectivity Program, including 78,000 households across North Carolina's Sixth District.
Since House Republicans failed to act to provide additional funding, the ACP benefit expired at the end of April. Without this program, many families will begin to lose access to the Internet and important online services such as telehealth and online learning.
Congresswoman Manning joined 94 New Democrat Coalition colleagues in a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, calling on leadership to take immediate action and renew the ACP to continue providing access to affordable broadband.
The ACP was enacted as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congresswoman Manning helped to pass in the 117th Congress.
Roundtables and Events
Manning Hosts Roundtable on Access to Contraception
Congresswoman Manning, Policy Co-Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus and member of the Pro-Choice Caucus, hosted a roundtable with physicians and pharmacists to discuss barriers women face to accessing contraception.
In the wake of the Dobbs decision, Congresswoman Manning introduced her Right to Contraception Act, legislation that would enshrine the right to birth control into federal law and protect access to all forms of FDA-approved contraception.
The Right to Contraception Act passed the House in the 117th Congress. However, 96% of House Republicans voted no, and the bill was blocked by Republicans in the Senate.
Manning Hosts Workforce Roundtable on Apprenticeships
Congresswoman Manning, Chair of the New Democrat Coalition's Workforce Development Task Force, hosted a roundtable with leaders from various industries, including solar energy, early childcare and education, technology, and manufacturing, to discuss the importance of apprenticeship programs.
Manning, Families of Hostages, Call for the Return of Those Still Held by Hamas
It has been over 200 days since Hamas's brutal terrorist attack on Israel, and there are still an estimated 130 hostages being held in Gaza, including Americans. Congresswoman Manning hosted a bipartisan press conference for family members of hostages to tell their stories and call for their safe return.
Family members who spoke included former hostage Aviva Siegel, whose husband Keith, a North Carolina native, is still being held hostage.
Watch the full press conference here.
Congress Welcomes Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan for Joint Address
Congresswoman Manning, Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, invited Jennifer Thomas from Honda Motor Company as her guest to attend Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's address to a Joint Meeting of Congress.
“Honda Aircraft has created critical manufacturing capabilities in North Carolina, brought hundreds of good-paying jobs, boosted our local economy, and contributed to the Triad’s growing status as a hub for advanced aircraft manufacturing. Honda's operations in Greensboro embody the spirit of a strong U.S.-Japan relationship,” said Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06). “I am excited to be joined by Jennifer, a leader at Honda in Greensboro, to hear from the Prime Minister about how our countries can continue to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance so that it is stronger than ever.”
Prime Minister Kishida visited Honda Aircraft Company in North Carolina's Sixth District with Governor Roy Cooper as part of several stops across North Carolina to highlight the strong relationship between the State and Japan.
Manning Questions President of Columbia on Campus Antisemitism
Congresswoman Manning is a Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, and a Member of the Education and the Workforce Committee. When the Education and the Workforce Committee held a hearing on campus antisemitism at Columbia University, Congresswoman Manning made clear to President Minouche Shafik that the school must take serious action to root out antisemitism in the classroom and across campus to protect Jewish students from the scourge of hatred. Watch her full questions below.
Constituent Meetings in Washington
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