Dear John,

Welcome to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.

Last week, the President delivered the presidential address before a Joint Session of Congress. Alongside several of my Democratic colleagues, I was present in the chamber. On Tuesday, the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry convened a hearing entitled, The State of the Livestock Industry: Producer Perspectives. Also, I participated in a press conference highlighting the importance of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. 

More from the week: Following the Oval Office exchange between the President and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, I issued a statement of support for the people of Ukraine. I am also including an update on government funding.

For my full recap, please read below.

Presidential Address

On March 4, 2025, the President delivered an address before a Joint Session of Congress. Unfortunately, the speech furthered divisive rhetoric and misinformation. The speech did not address the high cost of living, lay out a plan to protect Social Security, or even discuss how Democrats and Republicans can work together to secure our southern border. Alongside several of my Democratic colleagues, I was present in the chamber. I worked really hard to get elected as the Representative for the Fifth District and asked my constituents to trust me to do this work. I wanted to hear the state of the Union for myself to better understand what is needed of me to advocate on behalf of my district.

During the speech, Representative Al Green (TX – 09) was escorted out of the chamber for violating the rules of decorum. The following day, House Republican leadership moved to censure Representative Green. In previous years, Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Green interrupted President Biden on several occasions, violating the House rules, yet no steps were taken to censure her or other Republicans who engaged in similar behavior. Removal from the chamber was a disciplinary action, and until the rules are applied evenly I will not support a move such as censure. I voted no on the Motion to Censure.

The State of the Livestock Industry: Producer Perspectives

On Tuesday, the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry convened a hearing entitled The State of the Livestock Industry: Producer Perspectives. The hearing focused on the state of the agriculture industry and potential challenges to producers. These include trade, bird flu, and ongoing changes at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Unfortunately, many of these challenges have been exacerbated by the Administration. Last month, the President issued an executive order instructing agencies to plan for “large-scale reductions in force” and fired thousands of probationary employees. As a result, critical employees, such as the loan officers at the Farm Service Agency, were fired. These employees help farmers secure financial investments to run or expand operations. 

Additionally, in the middle of an outbreak of bird flu, which has led to the death of over 165 million birds, the President and Elon Musk fired a quarter of the staff at the National Animal Health Laboratory Network program and hundreds of employees at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which have been responding to the spread of disease.

We can not support farmers by cutting off funding streams and essential programs and services on which they depend.

The full hearing is available here.

Protecting the Right to Organize

The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is a comprehensive proposal to protect the right of workers to bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces.

Last week, alongside Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03), Senator Bernie Sanders (VT), and several of my Democratic colleagues, I participated in a press conference to highlight the importance of the legislation. We were joined by several labor leaders including members of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL- CIO). 

Learn more about the Protecting the Right to Organize Act here.

Oval Office Meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Last week, like many across the country I was deeply troubled by the Oval Office meeting between the President and Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The United States must continue to defend democracy over authoritarianism. It is indefensible to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin over our steadfast allies in Ukraine.

Government Funding Update

On March 14, 2025, government funding will expire. On Saturday, House Republican leadership released an alternative measure, a full-year Continuing Resolution (CR) to extend funding through September 30, 2025. This proposal provides a pathway for the President and Elon Musk to circumvent Congressional authority to designate federal funds. The legislation forces evictions of more than 32,000 households, jeopardizes Social Security, slashes infrastructure investments, and cuts nutrition assistance. The bill also fails to provide advanced funding for the Toxic Exposures Fund, which cares for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Further, the bill cuts funding for nondefense programs and services by $13 billion while increasing defense spending by $6 billion compared to fiscal year 2024 enacted levels.

I will not support legislation that takes resources away from Connecticut families. I will not support this Continuing Resolution as it is currently written.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Please be assured I will continue to advocate for your priorities.

That’s a wrap. 

Jahana Hayes
Member of Congress