Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 3h

For too long, Black women have been the last hired & the first fired.

The systemic pushout of Black women from the paid workforce is a red flag for our economy and devastating for Black women, Black families, and Black futures.
www.politico.com/newsletters/...

Black women’s unemployment ‘dire warning’ for the economy

www.politico.com

3 38 120

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 19h

If you're a federal worker, #KnowYourRights.

A graphic that reads:

Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation:

Federal government workers protected from whistleblower retaliation under U.S. law, including for:

* Being fired or laid off
* Intimidation
* Denying benefits
* Interfering with employee’s ability to obtain future employment

A graphic that reads:

The Whistleblower Protection Act:

The Whistleblower Protection Act permits current and former executive branch employees to report wrongdoing, including:

* A violation of any law, rule, or regulation
* Coercing political activity
* Censorship related to scientific research
* Gross mismanagement
* An abuse of authority

A graphic that reads:

To file a whistleblower complaint, you can contact:

Democrats on the Oversight Committee:
* A committee to oversee civil service in the Legislative Branch
* OversightDemocrats.House.gov

Government Accountability Project:
* A nonprofit organization specializing in whistleblower assistance
* Whistleblower.org

Civil Service Strong:
* A coalition committed to supporting a nonpartisan, professional civil service.
* CivilServiceStrong.org

1 41 69

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 19h

It's absolutely illegal for Trump to fire dedicated federal workers.

We're in the midst of a shutdown HE created that’s hurting military families, federal workers, & everyone in America.

This isn’t over. We'll see him in court.

CBS News @cbsnews.com · 1d

BREAKING: Layoffs of federal workers begin as the government shutdown enters Day 10, OMB Director Russ Vought says.

Government shutdown live updates as military poised to miss first paychecks next week

The government shutdown entered its 10th day Friday as Republicans and Democrats remain at an impasse over a spending plan. Follow live updates.

cbsn.ws

8 60 220

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 22h

Cruel and cowardly.

Republicans are canceling votes yet again instead of working with Democrats to re-open the government.

They'd rather stay on vacation than stand with families, release the Epstein Files, and address the healthcare crisis they created.

A tweet from a report that reads: Scheduling update is official: Votes are no longer expected in the House on Tuesday, October 14th.

4 49 190

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 1d

Federal contractors—including custodial & food service workers—deserve pay for their hard work.

But unlike federal employees, contractors have no assurance they'll receive backpay when Republicans reopen the government.

Our bill would ensure these workers are not left behind.

2 24 90

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 1d

For the sake of humanity, I pray this holds.

It is so far past time to end this genocide, free the hostages, and surge food, water, and baby formula to starving families in Gaza.

The Associated Press @apnews.com · 2d

BREAKING: Hamas will release all 20 living hostages this weekend, AP sources say, as Israelis will withdraw from majority of Gaza.

Israel, Hamas agree to 'first phase' of plan to end fighting, release hostages, Trump says

President Donald Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first Phase” of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners.

bit.ly

2 14 83

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 1d

WIC is a lifeline that helps new parents keep their babies fed.

But thanks to Republicans' government shutdown, WIC funds could run out in a matter of weeks.

Republicans must re-open the government NOW and stop playing with people's lives.
www.npr.org/2025/10/02/n...

The federal shutdown puts nutrition aid for millions of new parents at risk

Nearly seven million pregnant women and young children depend on WIC for healthy foods. Advocates say funding could run out in about two weeks, leaving states to close the gap if their budgets allow.

www.npr.org

3 36 110

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 2d

Latinas earn only 51 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men.

This wage gap isn't just unfair, it's an injustice, and Latinas deserve equal pay for equal work.

#LatinaEqualPayDay

27 120 500

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 2d

As small businesses & entrepreneurs face uncertainty amid Republicans' govt shutdown, I joined BECMA Inc's #MassBlackExpo to discuss how we can protect Black wealth.

From employing Black women & lowering the cost of housing to safeguarding DEI, it's going to take intentional policy to get it done.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley joins State Senator Adam Gomez and State Representative Russell Holmes for a BECMA Mass Black Expo panel titled: Policy, Power, and the Economy: A 10-Year Agenda for Wealth Building.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley poses for a photo with State Senator Adam Gomez, State Representative Russell Holmes, and BECMA Chief of Policy Alyssa Benalfew-Ramos.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley provides remarks during a BECMA Mass Black Expo panel.

1 14 53

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 2d

Joan Bennett Kennedy was a gifted artist & dedicated advocate whose compassion & vulnerability is an inspiration to us all.

Through her music, teaching, & support for the arts & addiction services, she uplifted so many.

My heart is with the Kennedy family & all who loved her.

The Boston Globe @bostonglobe.com · 3d

Joan Bennett Kennedy, the former wife of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, has died.

Joan Bennett Kennedy, former wife of Senator Ted Kennedy, dies - The Boston Globe

“I will always admire my mother for the way that she faced up to her challenges with grace, courage, humility, and honesty,” her son, Ted Kennedy Jr., said in a statement.

trib.al

2 14 69

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 2d

As a former hotel worker & unpaid Congressional intern, I know what it is to live paycheck-to-paycheck.

This Republican-manufactured shutdown is harming everyone, including our federal contractors who aren't guaranteed backpay when the govt reopens.

Our bill would change that.

‘I don’t know how I’m going to feed my kids’: Shutdown hits federal contractors hard | CNN Business

Unlike federal employees, contractors typically don’t receive backpay when the government reopens from a shutdown. Low-wage service workers, including cleaners, janitors, security guards, cafeteria wo...

www.cnn.com

1 31 150

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 3d

Yeah, no. The law is clear: federal workers must receive back pay.

AND I have a bill to ensure federal contractors get it as well.

CNN @cnn.com · 4d

President Trump doesn't commit to back pay for furloughed federal workers when the government shutdown ends. Follow live updates: https://cnn.it/46DIVEI

13 60 280

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 4d

My statement on the two-year anniversary of the horrific October 7th attack carried out by Hamas in Israel:

“The October 7th attack carried out by Hamas was horrific and devastating.

“Elders, babies, parents, and loved ones were senselessly murdered.

“251 souls were taken hostage, among them Americans, Israelis, grandparents, toddlers, and peace activists.

“The grief of these losses runs deep in the Massachusetts 7th and around the world. (1/4)

“In the two years since the October 7 attack, I have sat beside the family members of hostages and those who lost loved ones that day.

“Their stories have stayed with me daily. Surviving family members have spoken of our shared humanity.

“The hostage families have sparked a movement calling for peace, joined by a multi-generational, multi-racial coalition of people of every faith and every corner of the globe. (2/4)

“Today in Gaza, we are witnessing an unspeakable genocide, and we must continue to call for peace.

“Innocent civilians are being denied food, water and medical care.

“Our children will ask what we did in this moment, and the only acceptable answer remains: everything we could to save lives. (3/4)

“I remain committed to the safety and survival of everyone impacted by these atrocities.

“I send my deepest condolences to every family who lost a loved one in the violent October 7th attack and to every family who has lost a loved one in the violence perpetrated in Gaza.

“Grief lasts as long as love does. Your loved ones mattered deeply, and they will not be forgotten.” (4/4)

1 27 88

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 4d

And now, Trump is threatening to send National Guard troops to invade & militarize Chicago.

This has nothing to do with safety & everything to do with inflicting trauma & chaos. This is unacceptable & we demand accountability.

1 15 110

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 4d

Under the cover of night, Trump's ICE agents unlawfully stormed & terrorized an apartment complex at South Shore in Chicago.

Young children zip tied, homes ransacked, entire families & US citizens forced into U-Hauls.

Chicago Sun-Times @chicago.suntimes.com · 7d

“I asked [agents] why they were holding me if I was an American citizen, and they said I had to wait until they looked me up,” Johnson said. “I asked if they had a warrant, and I asked for a lawyer. They never brought one.”

Massive immigration raid on Chicago apartment building leaves residents reeling: 'I feel defeated'

The Department of Homeland Security said federal agents with Border Patrol, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested 37 people in the raid.

trib.al

9 38 140

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 4d

Abortion care is safe and essential. The FDA got this right, abortion medication should be available to everyone who needs it.

In this dire landscape of restrictions & bans, we won’t let up until everyone can get the care they seek.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/h...

F.D.A. Approves Generic Abortion Pill as Opponents Push Trump for New Restrictions

www.nytimes.com

2 18 110

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 4d

Government shutdowns are destabilizing events with devastating consequences, especially for low-wage service workers.

Republicans shut down the government, so @smith.senate.gov & I are introducing a bill to ensure federal contractors receive back pay when the government reopens.

A graphic that reads:

The Fair Pay for Federal Contract Workers Act ensures federal contract workers, including low-wage service workers providing security, food and janitorial services, are fairly compensated for the wages and benefits lost due to the Republican-manufactured shutdown.

1 34 78

Reposted by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley

The Contrarian @contrariannews.org · 5d

Week two of the shutdown. No end in sight. Republicans in Congress won’t move — and millions of Americans will pay the price.

Watch the full interview with Rep. Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov on The Tea with April Ryan
https://youtu.be/_SJPJtJPz_k?si=i2PQS4UflxUpSAiq

1 34 100

Reposted by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley

WBZ NewsRadio @wbznewsradio.bsky.social · 7d

Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley held an emergency roundtable meeting with local union leaders Friday about the ongoing federal government shutdown.

wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/pres...

Pressley Holds Emergency Meeting With Union Leaders Amid Govt. Shutdown | WBZ NewsRadio 1030

Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley held an emergency roundtable meeting with local union leaders Friday about the ongoing federal government shutdown.

wbznewsradio.iheart.com

1 5 38

Reposted by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley

Project Bread @projectbread.org · 7d

This morning, we stood alongside @pressley.house.gov for a powerful roundtable and press conference addressing urgent community concerns around health and hunger in the wake of the ongoing #governmentshutdown

1 4 20

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 5d

Catharyne, a healthcare worker, made it plain:

Republicans created a healthcare crisis that will cause hospitals to close, healthcare costs to jump, & lives to be put at risk.

But instead of working with Democrats to address that harm, Republicans have shut down the government.

6 71 230

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 7d

As co-founder of the Stop Project 2025 Task Force, I take no joy in saying "I told you so."

apnews.com/article/trum...

Trump no longer distancing himself from Project 2025 as he uses shutdown to further pursue its goals

President Donald Trump is now openly embracing the conservative blueprint he desperately tried to distance himself from during the 2024 campaign.

apnews.com

14 110 460

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 7d

The harm of this Republican-manufactured government shutdown is being felt across the #MA7.

That's why I convened workers, families, & labor leaders to sound the alarm, demand Republicans re-open the government, and mitigate the shameful healthcare crisis they created.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley holds a press conference to discuss the Republican-manufactured government shutdown and its harmful impact to MA-07 families.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley holds a roundtable on the Republican-manufactured government shutdown.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley listens to workers, families, & labor leaders as they sound the alarm on the Republican-manufactured government shutdown.

A labor leader provides remarks on the Republican-manufactured government shutdown.

8 18 92

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 7d

MA residents Torleif and Adnaan Stumo, and everyone else taken from aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla should be immediately freed.

It is unconscionable that the Israeli military continues to block humanitarian aid, food, water, and baby formula.

End the genocide & surge aid into Gaza NOW.

2 Mass. brothers aboard an aid flotilla to Gaza have been detained by Israeli forces: Here’s what we know.

The two Sheffield men were arrested by Israeli forces and taken to Ashdod after their boats were intercepted Wednesday and Thursday.

www.boston.com

4 70 200

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley @pressley.house.gov · 8d

Tony has stage-four thymic carcinoma.

With the expanded ACA tax credits, he's been able to get life-saving care.

Without them, his healthcare costs would jump & he'd have to drop his coverage altogether.

While Democrats fight for families like his, Republicans chose to shut down the government.

5 67 210