SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " democratic " 3,115 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Mandela Barnes drops out of Wisconsin governor’s race
Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes dropped his bid for governor on Thursday, scrambling the race to replace Gov. Tony Evers less than two weeks from the Democratic primary.
Brandon Johnson credits Chicago for leading progressive politics
Amid uncertainty about whether he’ll seek reelection, Chicago mayor discusses Democratic climate and progressive politics
Faith is back in Democratic politics
After decades of watching Democrats dodge the God question, I think they finally have an answer.
Troy Jackson ran anonymous account to troll Republicans online
In 2012, Troy Jackson had plenty to say about Maine politics. An outspoken Democratic state lawmaker, Jackson openly feuded with then-Republican Gov. Paul LePage.
Most Americans say they would not back a democratic socialist for president
Left-leaning candidates have been gaining strength in recent primaries, posing challenges for a Democratic Party that is debating how to win mass appeal in 2028.
HRW report says oil production in DRC poses severe environmental health risks
Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday reported that Perenco, the sole oil producer in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is actively participating in production tactics that pose grave health and en...
Merck, Wellcome partner with global health group to make Ebola vaccine for clinical trials
Hilleman Laboratories, a Singapore-based joint venture between Merck and the global charity Wellcome, is gearing up to manufacture doses of a promising experimental vaccine against the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola responsible for a fast-spreading outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Clinton, Obama-era Democratic heavyweights Penn and Emanuel rip NYC's Mamdani over taxes, Israel, blast DSA
Democratic power players Mark Penn and Rahm Emanuel publicly criticize NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his property tax plan and Israel positions.
Political Science 101: Socialism vs. Communism
Now, either the President of the United States doesn’t understand the differences between democratic socialism, which is an economic philosophy that is gaining some momentum on the far left right now, particularly among younger voters, and communism; or Trump is merely slinging emotionally-charged rhetoric at people who also don’t understand the distinctions. There is a word for that technique; it’s called “propaganda.”
Schumer dodges question on whether DSA belongs in Democratic Party
Chuck Schumer dodged a question about whether the Democratic Socialists of America platform belongs in the Democratic Party amid socialist primary wins.
Democrat Ben Wikler explores a 2028 run for Senate in Wisconsin
Some Democratic insiders are rankled by the former state party chair’s ambitions and national book tour, with one saying it feels like he’s “whistling past the graveyard.”
Former Democratic staffers, DEI leaders shape Smithsonian leadership amid political firestorm
A Fox News Digital review of public biographies and social media profiles identified roughly two dozen individuals employed by the Smithsonian in leadership positions or as curators who worked for Democratic offices or progressive nonprofits before being hired.
Gina Hinojosa closes gap on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in new poll
A new poll shows Democrat Gina Hinojosa within 3 points of Gov. Greg Abbott, while the Texas AG race between Middleton and Johnson sits at 1 point.
Aipac’s brand has become toxic. Can its ‘pro-Israel, pro-peace’ rival J Street move in?
J Street’s liberal Zionist politics are landing with the Democratic establishment but the electorate may have moved on
East Texas community advocate shares passion for technology, politics
Cody Grace is a technology entrepreneur and community advocate. He ran ran as the Democratic party candidate for Texas House District 6. He was born and raised in Tyler, TX. Tonight, we discuss his connection to work, community, and technology.
A new media ecosystem is taking root on the left, reshaping Democratic politics
A growing number of Americans are swearing off legacy media and turning to a mix of independent podcasts, social media accounts and anti-establishment digital news sites.
To win over working class voters, Democrats need to stop talking about democracy
Working class voters have moved away from the Democratic Party. Winning them back is key to the party's future, a new reports shows. But first, the messaging has to change.
Analysis | What the midterms mean for Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2028 hopes
A Democratic sweep of Pennsylvania’s competitive U.S. House and state legislative races could boost the case for Shapiro in his party’s presidential primary.
Being Trump’s favorite international bureaucrat has a price
FIFA President Gianni Infantino cultivated one of the closest relationships to the White House of any world leader. A Democratic flip of the U.S. House could make him pay for it.
Being Trump’s favorite international bureaucrat has a price
FIFA President Gianni Infantino cultivated one of the closest relationships to the White House of any world leader. A Democratic flip of the U.S. House could make him pay for it.
A new media ecosystem is taking root on the left, reshaping Democratic politics
NEW YORK (AP) — Farah Berent, a teacher in Michigan, used to learn about politics from channels like ABC, CBS and CNN. But that changed as she decided that coverage of the war in Gaza was irreparably biased.
A new media ecosystem is taking root on the left, reshaping Democratic politics
More progressive Americans are swearing off traditional media.
A new media ecosystem is taking root on the left, reshaping Democratic politics
More progressive Americans are swearing off traditional media. They’re turning to independent podcasts, social media and digital news for information. This shift could impact Democratic primaries by...
A new media ecosystem is taking root on the left, reshaping Democratic politics
More progressive Americans are swearing off traditional media
A new media ecosystem is taking root on the left, reshaping Democratic politics
More progressive Americans are swearing off traditional media.
Senate Confirms Jay Clayton to Lead U.S. Intelligence Community
Mr. Clayton, who shed Democratic support after he refused to clearly say Joseph R. Biden Jr. won the 2020 election, will take over the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from Bill Pulte.
Live results: Georgia 13th District Special election
Georgia’s 13th district in the Atlanta area has been without representation since longtime Democratic Rep. David Scott died in April.
Moments from Nancy Pelosi's four-decade career in politics
Nancy Pelosi is the first woman to serve as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives with a four-decade career as a progressive Democratic icon.
Moments from Nancy Pelosi's four-decade career in politics
Nancy Pelosi is the first woman to serve as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives with a four-decade career as a progressive Democratic icon.
Early voting begins in Wisconsin primary featuring chaotic Democratic governor's race
Early in-person voting is beginning in swing state Wisconsin’s chaotic Democratic primary for governor, with a democratic socialist trying to overcome the incumbent governor’s pick.
Kentucky Gov. Beshear demands McConnell ‘prove capacity to serve’ or resign
The Democratic governor criticized the limited communication between the Republican senator and constituents after he suffered a fall.
Fetterman strongly supports the filibuster as Trump urges Senate Republicans to scrap it
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman supports the filibuster while President Donald Trump is pressuring Senate Republicans to scrap the filibuster.
Denish: Politics Can Be Shocking And Hilarious
By DIANE DENISH Corner To Corner diane@dianedenish.com Politics is nothing if not both hilarious and shocking. There has been a lot going on lately regarding lieutenant governor nominees in New Mexico. On the Democratic side, primary winner Maggie Toulouse Oliver withdrew for personal reasons, requiring the Democratic Party to choose a replacement before general election […]
KFF Health Tracking Poll: Ebola & Pandemic Preparedness
Much of the public has yet to form an opinion on the U.S. government’s response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this poll finds. Four in ten adults say the U.S. is less prepared for a pandemic now than it was in 2020.
The issue that put Abdul El-Sayed on offense debating Haley Stevens
Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens clashed over campaign finance and experience in a key Democratic Senate debate.
Democratic Socialists of America is a 'flesh-eating virus,' political strategist says
Political and legal strategist Katie Zacharia discusses the Democratic Socialists of America's platform and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's proposal for city-run grocery stores on ‘Fox News @ Night.’
6 Takeaways From Michigan’s Senate Debate Between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens
At the final debate before next week’s Democratic primary for Senate, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Representative Haley Stevens showcased their wildly different ideological stances and political styles.
Stevens and El-Sayed trade personal attacks and other takeaways from the Michigan Senate primary debate
The stark choice facing Michigan’s Democratic voters in the August 4 Senate primary was on display Monday night, as the two candidates closed their final debate by pitching themselves as best positioned to win a general election that could tip the balance of power in the Senate.
Stevens to El-Sayed: ‘Thank you for clarifying that you didn’t call me an ogre’
The two faced off in the final Michigan Democratic primary debate hours after POLITICO published a leaked recording of El-Sayed.
Former Wisconsin Democratic chair says U.S. political system must change
Former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Ben Wikler, talks with NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer about his new book "This is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy."
Republicans decry a new Democratic Socialists of America platform as Dem primaries split the party
A new platform from the progressive Democratic Socialists of America is sparking Republican attacks.
Live Results: Georgia's 13th Congressional District special election
The winner will serve out the remaining few months of the late Democratic Rep. David Scott’s current term.
Sen. John Fetterman: Why I Changed My Mind About the Filibuster
It’s not often you hear someone in D.C. admit they were wrong, let alone horribly wrong — and the entire Democratic Party was, including me. When Democrats had the presidency and a majority in both chambers, they were frustrated with the 60-vote threshold needed to advance legislation. Senate Democrats attempted to end…
Follow the Money: UK trustees keep giving big to Beshear
FRANKFORT – Ruth Day contributed another $15,000 to the Kentucky Democratic Party on June 16, ten days before Gov. Andy Beshear appointed her to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees.
Wu-backed state Sen. candidate is Beacon Hill lobbyist, secured millions for nonprofit
A Democratic state Sen. candidate backed by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is a registered lobbyist who has secured tens of millions of taxpayer dollars for the nonprofit organization she works for.
Black voters may decide the nation’s biggest Democratic primary. Many are clearly against the more progressive option
Abdul El-Sayed is seeking to deliver the Democratic Party’s progressive insurgency its biggest win yet in the Michigan Senate primary. But he is running into resistance among Black voters, many of whom say the establishment he eschews has delivered for them in important ways.
‘Climate hushing’ has swept the Democratic Party. New polling suggests it’s a mistake.
Climate change might not be voters' top priority, but new polling suggests that emphasizing it might actually boost support for candidates.
Big Country Politics: Can Democratic Representative Jon Rosenthal flip the Texas Railroad Commission?
BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Democratic State Representative Jon Rosenthal (HD-135) is seeking to become Texas’ next Railroad Commissioner, saying it’s time for someone with firstha…
New York Democrats face a generational reckoning
Left-leaning young voters are dominating Democratic primaries, forcing longtime incumbents to shift.
Mike Rogers on the rise of Democratic socialism in Michigan and national politics
Republican Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers discusses the growing influence of Democratic socialists across the country. He also discusses his potential opponent Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and his unclear stance on the DSA.
Michigan, Missouri primaries will again lay bare the Democratic divide over Israel
Fiercely fought primaries on August 4 in Michigan and Missouri will provide the next crucial tests in the debate over American policy toward Israel that has convulsed the Democratic Party this year.
Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary sets up a battle of generations
Rep. Seth Moulton, a frequent critic of the old guard of Democratic leadership in Congress, is now taking on one of his party’s progressive stalwarts.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries kicks off 100 days till midterms with affordability agenda
The stage is in battleground Pennsylvania
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries kicks off 100 days till midterms with affordability agenda
The stage is in battleground Pennsylvania.
Letters -- Mosques, Dallas council members, mental health
Readers enjoyed the story on the open houses at area mosques, criticize Dallas council members, defend Democratic socialism and discuss mental illness.
Inside the Phone-Throwing Drama at the Troubled, Broke Democratic Party
The Democrats should be well positioned to make gains in this year’s midterms. But inside party headquarters, every week brings paranoia, worries about money and, on occasion, emotional eruptions.
Trump administration admits it canceled clean-energy grants in states that voted for Kamala Harris
Democratic lawmakers accused the Trump administration of abusing its power after officials admitted in a federal court filing they recommended terminating several billion dollars in grants for clean-energy projects based “solely” on states’ “political identity” and whether President Donald Trump won the vote there in the 2024 election.
Troy Jackson Picked to Replace Platner as Democratic Nominee in Maine Senate Race
Mr. Jackson, a progressive former State Senate president, clinched the nomination at a hastily arranged state party convention.
Troy Jackson officially clinches Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nomination
Former logger from Allagash turned politician Troy Jackson on Saturday officially became the Democratic nominee in the U.S. Senate race for longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins’ seat.
MeToo Part Deux Is Coming to US Politics
In the little more than two weeks since Graham Platner was forced to halt his Senate campaign in Maine, his career in tatters after a rape allegation, the Democratic Party has been trying to move on and forget about the oysterman’s problematic candidacy.
Why Democrats Need to Think Smaller to Win Bigger
Democratic whisperer Ben Wikler explains why state races, not Washington, will determine his party’s future.
EAST TEXAS POLITICS: About 100 days out — Smith County’s Republican and Democratic chairs preview the midterms
Smith County's Republican and Democratic chairs preview what's at stake this fall on this week's edition of East Texas Politics on East Texas Now.
EAST TEXAS POLITICS: About 100 days out — Smith County’s Republican and Democratic chairs preview th
EAST TEXAS POLITICS: About 100 days out — Smith County’s Republican and Democratic chairs preview the midterms: Smith County Republican Chair David Stein and Democratic Chair Kristen Hardin-Sigler join Blake Holland for this week’s show
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer endorses Haley Stevens in Democratic US Senate primary
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate over progressive Abdul El-Sayed
Faith is back in Democratic politics
(RNS) — After decades of watching Democrats dodge the God question, I think they finally have an answer.
Democrats select South Carolina for first presidential nominating contest in '28
The decision most likely cements a Democratic primary calendar that moves away from Iowa and New Hampshire in favor of more racially diverse states
South Carolina picked by DNC panel to lead off Democrats’ 2028 presidential primary
South Carolina is poised to remain the first Democratic presidential primary state after securing a key panel’s recommendation, a move that will maintain Black voters’ prominent position on the calendar.
Small Business, Childcare And Safety: State House District 14 Candidate Q&As
The seat has three Democratic candidates on the primary ballot.
Zohran Mamdani shakes politics far away from New York City
These days, everyone wants a piece of Zohran Mamdani. Progressives hang on to his every word and say more Democratic politicians should be like him. Moderates fear him and worry he has too mu…
'Trump Democrats' turf up for grabs as 3 chase open Macomb House seat
Less than two weeks before Michigan's Aug. 4 primary, there is no frontrunner in the Democratic race for an open suburban Detroit U.S. House seat.
Democrats, Hinson campaign clash over health care record in Iowa's race for U.S. Senate
Health care took center stage Thursday in Iowa's U.S. Senate race as Iowa Democrats criticized U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson's voting record.The Iowa Democratic Party
Brian Kilmeade reveals the internal 'political civil war' that is dividing Democrats
Fox News host Brian Kilmeade examines what he describes as a growing political divide within the Democratic Party and examines what is to come for Democrats.
Democratic Voters Keep Defying the Party Establishment
The House Democratic campaign arm has stepped up its interventions in high-profile contested primaries. But this week, it suffered its third primary defeat in two months.
Wisconsin absentee voters seek court ruling allowing them to cast new ballots
Three voters supported by the Wisconsin Democratic Party have filed a lawsuit against the state elections commission, seeking a ruling that would allow for voters who have already returned their absentee ballots to void those and request a new one
Amish Shah wins Democratic congressional primary in Arizona, a blow to the party establishment
Shah won the Democratic primary Wednesday in a hotly contested congressional district in Arizona, delivering another defeat to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which backed a rival, as more voters reject the preferences of party leaders in Washington.
Americans — including many Republicans — are losing faith in capitalism, polling shows
President Donald Trump has indicated that his main strategy for the 2026 midterm elections is to call Democrats “socialists” and even “communists” at every turn. And there is evidence that democratic socialism is gaining somewhat more of a foothold in recent Democratic primaries.
Ranking Members Markey, Velázquez Push to Roll Back Trump Administration’s Discriminatory SBA Lending Policy that Blocks Immigrant Entrepreneurs from Pursuing the American Dream
Bicameral resolution would rescind Trump administration policy banning green card holders from accessing SBA loans Resolution Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF) (Washington, July 23) – Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-7) today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to rescind the Trump administration’s policy that bans green card holders from accessing essential Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to start and grow their businesses and invest in Main Streets nationwide. Trump’s SBA restrictions buck decades of precedent, attacking immigrant small business owners who are lawfully in the U.S. with no justification. The Trump administration’s green card holder ban is the most recent escalation of SBA’s draconian citizenship restrictions that are killing jobs and putting the American Dream further out of reach for entrepreneurs. In Fiscal Year 2025, the SBA made an estimated $5.7 billion in loans to green card holders, which supported more than 80,000 American jobs. Ranking Member Markey’s introduction of the CRA resolution follows his introduction of the Investing in the American Dream Act alongside Ranking Member Velázquez earlier this year. The Investing in the American Dream Act would roll back the SBA’s draconian lending restrictions and restore previous SBA lending policies for immigrant entrepreneurs lawfully in the U.S., including green card holders, refugees, and asylees. More than 100 organizations have called for the passage of the legislation and over 60 Massachusetts state legislators have raised concerns about the impact of the citizenship restrictions in their local communities. “Once again, Donald Trump is shutting hardworking immigrants out of the American Dream with his discriminatory and dangerous policies, fear tactics, and violent rhetoric. The anti-small business lending requirements implemented by Trump’s SBA won’t Make America Great Again—they are Making America Hate Again,” said Ranking Member Markey. “I am fighting every single day to roll back Trump’s brazen attempt to steal the American Dream from entrepreneurs in Massachusetts and across the country who enrich our communities, strengthen our Main Streets, and create jobs in the United States.” “Starting and owning your own business is one of the pillars of the American Dream. Under the Trump Administration, the SBA has sought to deny immigrant small business owners and entrepreneurs that dream by preventing them from accessing the capital they need to grow and scale their businesses. Not only is this policy cruel, but it is also self-defeating and holds our country back economically. As Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, I will do everything in my power to reverse this terrible policy,” said Ranking Member Velázquez. Massachusetts state legislators applauded Ranking Member Markey’s actions and emphasized the critical contributions of green card holders to Bay State communities and the Commonwealth’s economy. "Green card holders are our neighbors, workers, entrepreneurs, and taxpayers,” said Massachusetts State Senator Adam Gómez (D-Springfield), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses. “They open restaurants, launch small businesses, create jobs, and contribute every day to the economic strength of Massachusetts. Denying lawful permanent residents access to SBA loan programs doesn't make our economy stronger—it makes it harder for small businesses to succeed. I support this resolution because opportunity should never be limited by unnecessary barriers that prevent hardworking people from investing in their communities and pursuing the American dream." “Senator Markey’s CRA Resolution provides a valuable moment for our federal leaders to show their commitment to small businesses and the American Dream,” said Massachusetts State Representative Andy X. Vargas (D-Haverhill), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses. “The SBA’s recent policy restricting lawful residents from accessing the popular 7(a) and 504 programs has shut out some of the most entrepreneurial and hard-working members of our community from much-need capital. In Massachusetts, these programs have invested millions of dollars into small businesses owned by green card holders, supporting thousands of jobs. This should not be a partisan issue. People who worked hard, have legal status, and contribute so much to their communities via employment and economic impact don’t deserve to be in the crosshairs for political purposes. The Senator’s resolution is a step forward in restoring access to the American Dream that small business owners across the country deserve.” Several small business advocates and stakeholders voiced their support for Ranking Member Markey’s efforts to roll back Trump SBA’s discriminatory lending rules. “Immigrant-owned businesses are the foundation of the American economy. They power our neighborhoods, provide essential services, and employ our loved ones. Yet, systemic hurdles like the Small Business Administration’s citizenship restrictions unfairly block their path to prosperity," said Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition. "We applaud Senator Markey’s continued leadership and look forward to a future where immigrant entrepreneurs can share their ingenuity without arbitrary restrictions that hold us all back.” “Independent restaurants have always been built by people willing to work hard, take risks, and invest in their communities. When lawfully authorized entrepreneurs lose access to the financing they need to start or grow a business, we all lose. These are the businesses creating jobs, filling storefronts, and strengthening our neighborhoods. Access to capital should help good businesses succeed, and that’s exactly what restoring these SBA loan programs would do,” said Jen Ziskin, Executive Director of Massachusetts Restaurants United. “At the Latino Economic Development Corporation, we see firsthand that access to capital transforms lives, creates jobs, and strengthens neighborhoods. Many of the entrepreneurs we serve are lawful permanent residents who have invested their savings, opened businesses, and employ local residents. Restricting access to SBA financing doesn’t just impact business owners, it limits economic opportunity for entire communities. Main Street succeeds when every qualified entrepreneur has a fair chance to grow,” said Andrew Melendez, CEO and Founder of the Latino Economic Development Corporation. "Immigrants and immigrant-owned businesses are the heart and soul of small business communities in cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth, and across America. Limiting access to these SBA loans not only sends the wrong message about immigration, it will have significant negative economic impact on our small business ecosystem,” said Keith Mahoney, Vice President of Public Affairs at the Boston Foundation. “The SBA’s recent policy changes that prevent Legal Permanent Residents, and other non-citizens from participating in any of the SBA’s valuable programs are changes that are unwelcome, immoral, and antithetical to our purpose, our mission, and our vision for Massachusetts communities and businesses. Immigrant entrepreneurs and others have expressed concern that Common Capital will ‘report them to ICE,’ so loan demand has decreased. There is no valid reason for excluding Legal Permanent Residents and other noncitizens who are lawfully present in the U.S. from accessing the SBA’s programs. Immigrant entrepreneurs start businesses, they create jobs, they support their families and their communities. Our government should be in the business of encouraging their full participation in our economy,” said Raymond Lanza-Weil, President of Common Capital. "ECCHO-Latino now represents over 400 educators and 300 microbusinesses across Massachusetts, where immigrants make up 60% of the childcare workforce. When a green card holder is ready to grow her business—from expanding her home child care to opening a center—she shouldn't be turned away by local banks simply because of federal citizenship rules. Blocking access to SBA loans kills opportunity and deepens our state's childcare crisis. ECCHO-Latino strongly supports Senator Markey and Representative Velázquez in passing this resolution to put Main Street first," said Harold Antonio Blanco, Co-Founder & Executive Director of ECCHO-Latino Inc. "This is exactly how political ideology ruins an economy. Washington has taken lawful, tax-paying entrepreneurs who live in our communities, invest in America, and hire American workers, and declared their businesses ineligible for critical financing simply because a green card holder owns even a fraction of the company. Using policies ostensibly aimed at illegal immigration to punish lawful permanent residents is nothing short of ideological overreach and economic self-sabotage. The SBA exists to help viable small businesses grow, rather than imposing nativist tests that ignore an entrepreneur’s credit history, business plan, or ability to create jobs. When the federal government closes the door on qualified entrepreneurs, they’re also closing the door on American entrepreneurship and on American workers, while handing future companies, jobs, innovation, and investment to our competitors. America should be competing to attract people who want to invest and build here, not creating arbitrary barriers that drive their talent and capital elsewhere,” said Javier Palomarez, President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC). "The U.S. Small Business Administration's decision to prohibit legal permanent residents, including green card holders, from accessing SBA-backed loans has the potential for disastrous consequences that could reverberate throughout America's economy for years to come. After all, immigrants are twice as likely to start small businesses as U.S.-born individuals. Congress must overturn rules requiring the SBA to block legal permanent residents from accessing lending resources because so many of the entrepreneurs who drive job creation in this country were born outside the United States," said John Arensemeyer, Founder and CEO of Small Business Majority. “NCRC supports the Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn SBA’s citizenship restrictions that bar green-card holders from receiving the 7(a) and 504 loans. When qualified entrepreneurs are denied access to SBA loans, all of Main Street gets hurt. Communities lose jobs. Neighborhoods lose services. Local economies lose the opportunity to build wealth and shrink disparities,” said Jesse Van Tol, President & CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC). “We cannot afford to have the American Dream out of reach for hard-working, immigrant small business owners.” “Asian Americans and Asian immigrants have been integral in building local economies. They create businesses, jobs, and opportunities in communities across the country that benefit everyone. Lawful permanent residents pay taxes, invest in their communities, and strengthen Main Street, yet the SBA's discriminatory citizenship restrictions unfairly deny them access to the same tools that help small businesses grow and succeed. We applaud congressional leaders for advancing this resolution to overturn the latest restrictions on SBA lending for green card holders, and we urge lawmakers to also pass the Investing in the American Dream Act to fully restore access to SBA loan programs for all eligible people in the United States. Ensuring that immigrant-owned small businesses have a fair opportunity to access capital is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive economy that works for all,” said Joanna Derman, Director of Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights and National Security at Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC). "Immigrant-owned businesses often turn to SBA 7(a) and 504 loans because they face higher denial rates from traditional lenders,” said Imani Augustus, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity. "These programs provide the capital they need to expand operations, hire workers, and invest in their businesses. Reversing the ban on lawful permanent residents is a critical first step toward ensuring these financing tools are accessible to everyone strengthening their communities through entrepreneurship. We applaud this action and urge Congress to fully restore access by passing the Investing in the American Dream Act.” "Last year, nearly 5,700 SBA loans worth $5.7 billion went to businesses owned by green card holders, supporting more than 80,000 jobs. These are entrepreneurs who have put down roots here, hired their neighbors, and invested in the communities they call home. Barring them from capital doesn't protect Main Street—it starves it. What should matter is the strength of a business and its potential to grow, not the immigration status of its owner. This resolution doesn’t eliminate all the citizenship restrictions in SBA’s policy change, but it’s a step toward restoring a commonsense principle that stood for more than 30 years," said Howard Wial, Director of Research at ICIC. "I'm encouraged to see Congress moving to reopen access to capital for green card holders, a key tool for small business survival. Green card holders accounted for an estimated 5,700 SBA loans in Fiscal Year 2025, worth $5.7 billion and supporting more than 80,000 jobs across the country. That capital is often what keeps a business operating through its toughest stretches when cash flow gets tight. When qualified entrepreneurs lose access to that capital over their immigration status rather than their ability to repay a loan, it's the local economy that pays the price,” said Small Business for America's Future Co-Chair Shaundell Newsome, Founder of Sumnu Marketing. “Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and entrepreneurs —including green card holders — take risks every day to build businesses, create jobs, and strengthen communities. SBA loan programs should be administered with clear, consistent standards that safeguard public resources while ensuring these programs remain focused on supporting eligible entrepreneurs and job creators. This resolution responds to the opportunity to support all entrepreneurs and preserve the integrity of federally supported lending programs. We applaud the introduction of this resolution and remain committed to policies that strengthen small businesses, promote economic growth, and maintain confidence in these vital lending programs,” said Carolina Martinez, CEO of CAMEO Network. “National CAPACD wholeheartedly supports the introduction of this resolution aimed at overturning the SBA's misguided policy prohibiting immigrants from accessing the 7(a) and 504 loan programs. As a coalition, we are committed to creating systems, organizations, and societies that are fair and just. We believe we and our economy are stronger when we uplift our rich and diverse communities. Access to capital helps small businesses create jobs, build wealth, and strengthen neighborhoods. Restoring this pathway is an important first step toward ensuring immigrant entrepreneurs can continue to grow their businesses and contribute positively to our economy as a whole. We urge Congress to build on this momentum by passing the Investing in the American Dream Act, which would fully restore fair access to safe and affordable credit and uphold our commitment to a fair economy that works for everyone,” said Seema Agnani, CEO of National CAPACD. Ranking Member Markey is fighting for small business owners and immigrants that rely on SBA loans to start and run their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to their communities. In May, Ranking Member Markey highlighted the significant contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs in Massachusetts and across the country and condemned the Trump administration’s repeated attacks on immigrant communities at a Small Business Committee hearing. MIRA’s Elizabeth Sweet, who participated in Ranking Member Markey’s listening session earlier in May, provided testimony at the hearing. Also in May, Ranking Member Markey hosted a listening session at the Urban College of Boston to hear directly from several Massachusetts immigrant small business owners, lenders, and chambers of commerce how President Trump’s cruel and callous anti-immigrant policies are hurting Main Streets in the Bay State. Earlier in May, Ranking Member Markey hosted a press conference alongside Ranking Member Velázquez, Democratic lawmakers, and stakeholders to condemn the Trump administration’s harmful anti-immigrant lending policies and to introduce the Investing in the American Dream Act. In March, Ranking Member Markey released a comprehensive report detailing the harms to small business owners, workers, and consumers caused by the Trump administration’s ICE raids in communities across the country. In February, Ranking Member Markey introduced the Small Business ICE Disruption Fund Act, which would provide grants to small businesses that have been impacted by the Trump administration’s violent immigration enforcement actions on Main Streets across the United States. Earlier in February, Ranking Member Markey, Ranking Member Velázquez, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) sent a letter urging the SBA to rescind their lending rule change that bars legal permanent residents from receiving SBA loans. Previously, Ranking Members Markey and Velázquez released a statement condemning the actions of the SBA after it announced that small businesses with legal permanent residents will be barred from receiving SBA loans. In December 2025, Ranking Member Markey and all Democratic members of the Senate Small Business Committee sent a letter to the SBA reiterating concerns with the SBA’s citizenship requirements and highlighting a drop in SBA lending volume. In September 2025, Ranking Member Markey heard directly from SBA lenders about the issues with the citizenship verification requirements. In July 2025, Ranking Members Markey and Velázquez sent a letter to the SBA expressing serious concerns with the agency’s new, draconian citizenship verification requirements that require small businesses seeking SBA loans to be 100% owned by U.S. citizens, nationals, and legal permanent residents. SBA has not responded to the letter. ###
Graham Platner’s Downfall Shows How Democratic and Republican Political Operatives Have Lost the Plot
A former chief of staff to Andrew Cuomo and Chris Christie writes for Vanity Fair about how both parties have lost the plot, as the Maine Senate situation so perfectly illustrates.
Why health officials do not have a good handle on the current Ebola outbreak
To get slightly ahead of the virus, health officials need to quickly identify people at risk of infection, a practice known as contact tracing. That's a challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
National Democratic PAC announces $17M fall ad buy targeting Ashley Hinson
The campaign ad buy, scheduled for fall, will focus on U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson's votes related to tariffs, the Iran war and Medicaid cuts.
The Other Cardenas In Politics
Two years ago, a powerful Democratic political consultant named Jesus Cardenas abruptly vanished from public life. He pleaded guilty to two felony fraud counts, shuttered his political consulting business and […]
Democrats try to harness data center backlash that's dividing rural Republicans in places like Texas
Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for Texas governor, is focusing on data centers as a key issue in her campaign against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott
Amish Shah Wins Democratic Primary in Swing Arizona House District
Dr. Amish Shah, who beat the choice of the party’s House campaign arm, will face Jay Feely, a Republican, in a battleground district that covers parts of Phoenix.
Democrats zero in on Nevada and South Carolina to kick off 2028 presidential primary calendar
Nevada and South Carolina are the leading contenders to be recommended to head Democrats’ 2028 presidential primary calendar, according to conversations with members of a powerful panel within the Democratic National Committee.
The Other Cardenas Working in Politics
A labor union paid at least $18,000 to a digital marketing firm run by the wife of convicted Democratic political operative Jesus Cardenas. Critics say he's staging a comeback.
Hong leads latest Marquette Poll, large percentage of voters still undecided
A new poll reflecting the rapid changes in the Democratic primary will be released next week.
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla reintroduces Health Equity and Accountability Act
Along with other federal Democratic lawmakers, Padilla said the proposal to reduce health disparities has become more urgent after funding cuts
Former Wisconsin Democratic chairman writes book about protecting democracy
Ben Wikler is on a multi-state tour to promote, “This Is The Plan.”
James Talarico calls for tighter regulations on data center development
Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico on Wednesday called for a broad set of tighter regulations on data centers in Texas, seizing on what has become a potential political liability
Democrat Phil Weiser names Jeffco Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper as his gubernatorial running mate
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, the Democratic nominee for governor, on Wednesday named Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper to be his lieutenant governor running mate in the general election. Weiser, who is facing Republican nominee Victor Marx for the seat held by term-limited Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, announced his pick at a news conference at […]
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez jumps to front of NH 2028 Dem primary field
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY,, now leads the 2028 Democratic primary field in New Hampshire, while Marco Rubio closes in on JD Vance.
‘We need someone who’s going to be pragmatic’: David Crowley on challenging a democratic socialist in the WI Gov. race
Dozens of House Democrats reject bill fusing congressional stock ban with federal voter ID
The House voted on a legislative package that includes a partial ban on lawmakers trading stocks and a federal voter ID requirement.
'You sir, are the failure': Hegseth pressed by Democratic senator on Iran war plan
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced bipartisan scrutiny in the Senate on Tuesday as lawmakers pressed him to explain the rising costs of the war in Iran.
Republicans say they'd welcome Fetterman as GOP eyes bigger Senate majority
John Thune says Republicans would welcome John Fetterman if he leaves the Democratic Party, as the senator's pro-Israel stance isolates him.
Hegseth turns tables on Dems as sparks fly during hearing clash: 'I put this on you'
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clashed with Democratic senators over Iran war strategy and military funding amid a record $1.5 trillion budget request.