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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 8h

It came up at my Middlebury roundtable: Vermont farmers are feeling the effects of the staffing cuts at USDA. The backlogs are long, staff are overwhelmed, and farmers can’t get their questions answered. We need urgent accountability from those responsible for this mess.

vtdigger
Vermont farmers feel impacts of staffing cuts at USDA
Reduced staffing means there are fewer people on the ground to help farmers submit applications, explain the reason behind funding priorities and ensure that the federal government works for farmers, said an agricultural policy analyst.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 11h

It’s almost as if there are more ways to measure the value of work than just the amount of money it makes people.  A country with fewer social workers and teaching aides, with less study of the arts and history, is a country that’s not investing in its own future.

newrepublic.com

Trump Moves to Cut Off Student Loans for Tons of Degrees

Under a new rule, if your degree doesn’t make enough money, you won’t be able to get a student loan.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 16h

Today, Jack Smith is testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee. It made me think back to when he was before us on the House side. Despite how he was treated by Trump, Smith declared to me that he was NOT going to be intimidated out of his pursuit for justice.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 28/09/2026

By doing this, the administration is giving the go-ahead to discriminate against students based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, while ignoring the needs of sexual assault survivors in the process. Have a little empathy. How would you feel if this was YOUR child?

thehill.com

Education Department formally rescinds Title IX protections for LGBTQ students

The Education Department announced Monday it has formally rescinded the Biden-era Title IX interpretation that gave sex-based discrimination protections to students on the basis of sexual orientati…

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 28/09/2026

I was told I shouldn’t be open about my mental health journey. But I've been grateful for the chance to connect with Vermonters going through it themselves. It's those conversations that have inspired the legislation I've introduced in Congress to make a difference.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 28/09/2026

In case you missed it, the White House announced that they're illegally canceling nearly $1 billion in funding appropriated by Congress. Republican leadership is so weak and so subservient to Trump that they're just letting it happen. It's a betrayal of all our constituents.

politico.com

Trump cancels $1B in federal spending in latest challenge to Congress

Many lawmakers, including some top Republicans, say the "pocket rescission" tactic is illegal.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 28/09/2026

The FDA approved mifepristone 26 years ago today and it’s been safe and effective since. Still, the GOP has tried to abuse an antiquated law to ban the distribution of mifepristone and sneak into a national abortion ban, bringing us back to the 1800s. I intro'd the Stop Comstock Act to stop them.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 28/09/2026

With this administration, there’s never enough money for food or healthcare. But somehow, there’s always plenty for war and Trump’s vanity projects.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 27/09/2026

Peter Thiel, JD Vance’s longtime mentor, is a perfect example of what’s gone wrong in tech America. And we’re seeing the real consequences of that worldview every single day.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 27/09/2026

The GOP has had control of the House, Senate, and presidency for 2 years now. What exactly have they done with that power?

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 26/09/2026

Trump promised he'd lower costs on day one. But Vermont families certainly aren't getting that. Folks are struggling with the cost of basic needs like housing and it's a crisis that demands creative solutions and major investments like my Community Housing Act.

Since Trump took office, Vermont families have had to spend an additional $1,138 on housing costs.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 26/09/2026

I was shocked by what I saw in Chicago and Minneapolis when I traveled to those cities during ICE surges. The Constitution protects everyone in this country, regardless of immigration status. It’ll take us a long time to reverse the damage this administration has done here.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 25/09/2026

So far, Trump has spent $1.8+ billion on his vanity projects since coming back into office. Have you ever thought about what else we could have gotten for that money? Try it out for yourself: www.hassan.senate.gov/trumpvanitycalculator

Since he came back into office, Trump has spent $1.8+ billion on his vanity projects. What else could the American people have gotten with that money?

1,000,000 tanks of gas for a sedan
100,000 months of childcare
100,000 people whose previous annual out-of-pocket ACA marketplace premiums could be restored following GOP cuts 10,000 additional school teachers hired
10,000 people whose Medicaid coverage could be restored following GOP cuts 10,000 veterans whose medical expenditures could be covered for a year 1,000 new houses built

And we'd still have $37 million left over!

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 25/09/2026

Trump is using our taxpayer dollars to create Trump TV and cut ads for himself ahead of November when he’s not even a candidate. And, to him, everyone else is a communist or socialist? Give me a break.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 24/09/2026

CNN, Politico, and MS NOW are back at the White House covering the president. This is what happens when we fight back. We can win.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 24/09/2026

$4,500 may not be a lot of money to a billionaire but it sure is to most Vermont families. New data shows that Trump’s agenda is making it even harder for folks to make ends meet than before.

What could you do with an extra $4,500?

That's how much the average Vermont household has now had to spend thanks to Trump's agenda.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 23/09/2026

From my $500 billion Community Housing Act to federal investments we’ve been able to secure for communities around Vermont, there’s a lot of hope for action on housing.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 23/09/2026

Right on the heels of their settlement, the Ellisons and Paramount are considering bringing on ~noted nonpartisan~ Elon Musk (🙄) as an investor. This is why it's such a big issue for CNN, CBS, and TikTok to be all under one roof. This merger is already looking like a disaster.

semafor.com

Exclusive: Paramount weighs tapping Musk for equity investment

A cash injection from SpaceX billionaire Elon Musk could reduce investor Larry Ellison’s financial burden and bolster the deal’s investor base.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 22/09/2026

The time for our policies to reflect the priorities of our young people is NOW!

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Reposted by Representative Becca Balint

Congressman Greg Casar @repcasar.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Wilber Garces Perez was shot in the back by an ICE agent in Austin. Now he's in detention with the bullet still in his body. Today, 100+ Members of Congress are demanding that ICE get him medical care, stop trying to deport a key witness, and immediately release the video footage.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 22/09/2026

It’s absolutely disgusting that Trump seems to take pleasure in dangling the “annihilation” of a country over them while making crystal clear he has a diplomatic path right in front of him. Americans don't want this illegal mess of a war and it’s long past time for Congress to end it.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 22/09/2026

Between his war in Iran and absurd tariffs with our closest allies, Trump is making hardworking Vermonters pay a lot more for their essentials.  Remember that these are policy choices the administration has made. They can reverse course at any time - they're choosing not to.

Trump has forced Vermont farmers to spend $1,479 more to fill up their farm fuel tanks

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 21/09/2026

The solidarity we saw from the TV networks covering the White House today MATTERS. Trump had an event this afternoon but since no mics were there, he was just shouting into the void.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 21/09/2026

For generations, Vermonters and Quebecers have shared families, communities, and deeply close connections. But even with that in mind, we’re still facing the fallout from stunts that Kristi Noem pulled, and we have small businesses that won’t survive this trade war.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 21/09/2026

This is the solidarity we need. Thank you to all involved for standing together - and for standing up for the First Amendment.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 21/09/2026

The “talking point” that President Biden banned 400 journalists from the White House is not true. But Republican officials are still trying to spread it. We always have to call this type of thing out and stand up for the truth.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 20/09/2026

As we begin the holiest day of the Jewish year, I'm wishing you and your loved ones a very meaningful Yom Kippur. G’mar chatima tovah.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 20/09/2026

Today, I’m celebrating LGBTQ+ Veterans Day. This marks the day in 2011 when the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” went into effect. Throughout our nation's history, LGBTQ+ Americans have served in our Armed Forces with honor. I'm proud to salute their sacrifice. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 20/09/2026

I’m inspired by the people who came to DC to make a human ring around the Kennedy Center. It was people saying to Trump that it’s not his building - it’s our building.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 20/09/2026

Letting the billionaires ramming this merger threw off easy would be a massive mistake. As a reminder, it would bring TikTok, CNN, and CBS under one roof, force prices up (like for streaming!), bring wages down, and lead to people losing jobs. We must remember that before it’s too late.

variety.com

Paramount and California AG Bonta Reportedly in ‘Advanced Talks’ to Settle Antitrust Suit

Paramount Skydance is in "advanced talks" with California Attorney General Rob Bonta to settle the 12-state antitrust suit that's holding up its takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, the WSJ reported.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 19/09/2026

Happy #NationalAppChallengeDay! No matter your coding skill, if you’re a middle or high school student in Vermont who has an idea for how we can solve our most pressing issues, we invite you to participate! Go to balint.house.gov for more info on how to submit your app by the Oct. 26th deadline.

Vermont's 2026 Congressional App Challenge

Design and build your own app to solve an issue facing your community

Participate in teams of up to 4

Open to middle and high school students of all coding skills across Vermont

Go to balint.house gov for more info on how to submit your app by the Oct. 26th deadline!

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 18/09/2026

Trump is banning CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House. Of course, it’s because they try to hold him accountable. This is not normal and we can’t treat it as normal. It’s the stuff of demagogues and autocrats.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 18/09/2026

NEWS: The Trump admin has reportedly been covering up the number of servicemembers who’ve died in the war with Iran! This is absolutely sickening and shocking. There must be accountability for every single person involved in this disgrace.

washingtonpost.com

More U.S. troops have died amid Iran war than Pentagon has disclosed publicly

Officials who spoke with The Post expressed frustration that the additional loss of life in the Middle East is not reflected in the Defense Department’s casualty database.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 18/09/2026

I’m sick and tired of the rich getting richer while workers’ wages effectively stay the same. Our economic policies need to actually benefit the people whose labor our nation runs on.

American workers are getting the smallest slice of the pie on record
Since 2000, the value of the S&P 500 stock index has gained about 600%. Over the same period, inflation-adjusted worker earnings have climbed just 12.5%.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 18/09/2026

When someone reaches out in a moment of crisis, our system should be prepared to meet them where they're at. That’s what 988 is there to do. And it’s why we must continue to invest in it. Proud to join @dorismatsui.bsky.social and our colleagues to highlight the 988 Implementation Act.

Rep. Balint giving remarks at this press conference in front of the Capitol Building

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 18/09/2026

We won’t give up the fight for reproductive freedom – now or in the future. I’m proud to be in this fight alongside leaders like @mintimm.bsky.social, the president and CEO of @reproductivefreedomforall.org. It was great to connect with her this week!

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 17/09/2026

We’re not going to forget. We’re not going to give up our fight for accountability. We’re not going to stop standing with survivors. Release the damn Epstein files.

Rep. Balint wearing a bracelet that says:

Stand with survivors
Release the [REDACTED] files

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Reposted by Representative Becca Balint

Democracy Docket @democracydocket.com · 17/09/2026

🚨BREAKING: In a win for Vermont voters, a Biden-appointed federal judge dismissed the DOJ's lawsuit seeking access to the state's unredacted voter registration list. The department is now 0-24 in its sweeping legal hunt for states' private voter data.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 17/09/2026

Our economic agenda must be centered on returning power to the people. My Online Sellers Bill of Rights is a part of that work – it would even the playing field between small online sellers and massive corporations like Amazon. The status quo just can’t continue.

libertyandpower.substack.com

The Next Economic Agenda Isn’t Just About Money. It’s About Power.

Lawmakers are quietly building an economic agenda that focuses on returning power to everyday Americans

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 17/09/2026

My friend @mcbride.house.gov and I are constantly hearing from our constituents about the cost of living. We have bills that would do something about it. But GOP leadership is sending us home early because they want to avoid bipartisan accountability for Pete Hegseth. It's shameful.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 16/09/2026

My Republican colleagues said that we were being ‘hysterical and silly’ by talking about the impact of this asinine trade war with Canada. There is nothing funny about how this has hurt Vermont’s small businesses, farmers, and tourist industry.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 16/09/2026

Mike Johnson would rather shut down the House and send us all home than let members vote on Pete Hegseth’s impeachment. This is what it looks like when you’re more interested in protecting your own than answering to the American people.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 16/09/2026

A mental health crisis doesn’t have to become a hospital visit or an encounter with law enforcement. But when someone needs a higher level of intervention and care, we need to make sure our systems are working together. That’s what my 988 and 911 Integration Act would help do.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 16/09/2026

Women should not be dying from ectopic pregnancies in 2026 in the United States. But they are, at nearly double the rate - and it’s even worse in states with abortion bans.

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 15/09/2026

Grateful to host the National Music Publishers Association and musicians Mags Duval and Cal Shapiro to talk about what we can do to ensure artists get the credit and compensation they deserve. Mags and Cal wrote the hit song “Ordinary” – it made my day when they performed it in my office!

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 15/09/2026

Alongside @sanders.senate.gov and @welch.senate.gov, I was proud to announce $33.2 million in FEMA money to support flood buyouts in Vermont. This will bring welcome - though bittersweet - closure after years of uncertainty. I’ll always fight for the funding we need to recover and rebuild.

Rep. Balint, Vermont Senators announce $33.2 Million from FEMA to Support Flood Buyouts
Funding will Support Flood Buyouts, Hazard Mitigation across the state
“Over the last several years, our office has worked with Vermonters who were uprooted from their homes and left to navigate the complicated FEMA grant-making process while waiting far too long for a path forward. For many families, this funding will bring welcome—though bittersweet—closure after years of uncertainty. It will also provide real economic relief and give communities much needed resources to become more resilient to future flooding. I’m grateful to everyone who kept pushing to get these dollars out the door, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure Vermont gets the federal support it needs to recover and rebuild.”

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Representative Becca Balint @balint.house.gov · 15/09/2026

Let’s be very clear about what’s happening here: the AI companies have had this “change of heart” because they want to be the ones to write the rules about how they’re regulated. We can’t just sit on our hands and trust them to police themselves.

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