Latest news with #TroyNehls
Fox News
3 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
PETA applauds GOP lawmakers' demand to halt NIH funding for 'cruel' overseas animal testing
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is applauding a letter sent Thursday by Republican lawmakers to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, urging the agency to stop using taxpayer dollars for experiments on animals conducted in foreign laboratories. The letter, signed by Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, and Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., highlights concerns about the lack of oversight and inadequate standards in certain foreign facilities. The bipartisan Cease Animal Research Grants Overseas (CARGO) Act—led by the Republicans along with Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.—seeks to end NIH funding for animal experiments outside the U.S. and ensure taxpayer dollars are not misused for the unnecessary suffering of animals. Between 2011 and 2021, the NIH issued more than $2.2 billion in grants for controversial research in 45 countries. According to the letter, the "research" included genetically altering cats to be born with deformed legs, infecting bats with diseases that were transmissible and fatal to humans, and force-feeding mice human feces. Nehls and Scott noted there are little to no inspections at the facilities where research is conducted or where the animals are housed, and there is inadequate auditing of foreign NIH-funded animal studies, resulting in significant gaps in oversight and accountability of how taxpayer dollars are being used. "It is deeply concerning that American taxpayer dollars have been used to fund harmful and abusive animal experiments overseas that lack the same oversight and accountability as labs here in the United States," Nehls and Scott wrote in the letter. "…It is a waste of resources that should be allocated to more ethical and effective research practices that do not involve animals." PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo said the organization is grateful to Nehls, Scott, Titus and Booker for serving as the lead sponsors of the CARGO Act. "This effort represents a significant step in halting cruel and wasteful animal experimentation abroad, and it aligns with the Trump Administration's broader shift toward more relevant, non-animal research methods," Guillermo wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital. "We are excited to continue working alongside these dedicated lawmakers to pass the CARGO Act and ensure that taxpayer money is no longer used to support pointless and unethical research." The CARGO Act was introduced following a PETA investigation into Caucaseco Scientific Research Center, a discredited Colombian laboratory with a history of violating animal care standards. Caucaseco Scientific Research Center received more than $17 million in U.S. funding, and the Biden administration's NIH encouraged additional funding, even after it was caught confining monkeys in filthy conditions, leaving them to die from infected wounds, and starving mice to the point of cannibalism, according to PETA. The PETA investigation reportedly led to multiple investigations by local authorities, the rescues of 108 monkeys and 180 mice, and the retraction of a research publication. "The letter's request for NIH to immediately cease funding animal experiments in foreign labs is a crucial step toward protecting animals and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly," Guillermo wrote. "PETA remains committed to advocating for legislative and policy changes that prioritize ethical, practical, and non-animal research."
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Republican Backs Push to Repeal Part of Trump Bill Days After Voting For It
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Representative Troy Nehls, a Texas Republican, told Newsweek why he is cosponsoring a bill to repeal a measure included in President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). "While I proudly voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which prevents the largest tax hike in American history, the Senate's version contained a provision that I strongly disagree with," Nehls told Newsweek in a statement. Nehls is the first Republican to cosponsor the FAIR BET Act, introduced by Representative Dina Titus, a Nevada Democrat. The bill aims to reverse a measure added by Senate Republicans that would reduce the amount of losses gamblers can deduct from their taxes from 100 percent to 90 percent. In simple terms, this means that if a gambler loses $10,000 during a trip to Las Vegas but wins back $10,000 on a trip later in the year, they would still have to pay taxes on $1,000 in losses. He continued, "Prior to the passage of the OBBBA, the tax code contained a 100% deduction for gambling losses and expenses up to the amount of the individual's winnings. This deduction was not changed in the House-passed version of the bill. The Senate, unfortunately, included a provision in their version of the legislation that reduced the allowable deduction to 90%, creating an overly punitive tax on gambling. This provision is unfair, which is exactly why I am a cosponsor of Rep. Dina Titus' FAIR BET Act." Why It Matters Nehls' support for the FAIR BET Act highlights how some Republicans voted for the bill despite not agreeing with every single measure in the reconciliation package. It's not uncommon for lawmakers often vote in support of large bills even if they view the legislation as imperfect, as they may support other parts of the bill. Critics say the measure included in Trump's would harm the gambling industry, result in players reporting taxable income even if they have net losses and potentially undermine tax compliance. What To Know Titus, whose district includes parts of Las Vegas, introduced the bill on Monday. It would apply to both professional and amateur gamblers. The tax deduction measure was notably added by the Senate as it made significant changes to the bill from the original version passed by the House of Representatives. The Nevada Democrat wrote in a statement that the FAIR BET Act "would rightfully restore the full deduction for losses so gamblers don't pay taxes on money they haven't won." A stock image shows slot machines in Dallas, Texas, on February 27, 2014. A stock image shows slot machines in Dallas, Texas, on February 27, 2014. skodonnell /iStock via Getty Images "This common-sense legislation will bring fairness back to gaming taxation, making sure that gamblers can fully deduct losses when they report their winnings. It gives everyone—from recreational gamblers to high-stakes gamblers—a fair shake. We should be encouraging players to properly report their winnings and wager using legal operators. The Senate change will only push people to not report their winnings and to use unregulated platforms," Titus wrote. Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, is also co-sponsoring the bill. "The Republican budget would kneecap sports and gambling by making Americans pay taxes on gambling losses. This is deeply unfair. I'm proud to introduce the FAIR BET Act with Rep. Titus to restore the 100% tax deduction for gaming losses," Khanna told Newsweek in a statement. Nehls explained his vote for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in a statement released last week, describing it as "promises made, promises kept." "This bill puts the American people first. It prevents the largest tax hike in American history by making President Trump's Tax Cuts permanent, eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, and delivers meaningful tax relief for seniors—all core promises from President Trump's campaign," he said. What People Are Saying Titus wrote in a post to X (formerly Twitter): "The FAIR BET Act now has bipartisan support! Thank you @RepTroyNehls for signing on. I will continue championing this legislation through Congress. Keep the momentum going!" Professional poker player Phil Galfond wrote to X on July 1: "If you win $100k and lose $100k – You'll owe tax on $10k of 'phantom' income. If you win $100k and lose $50k – You actually profited $50k, but you'll owe tax on $55k. If you win $100k and lose $150k – No tax owed (your deduction is capped at $100k, which is more than 90% of $150k ($135k))." The American Gaming Association, which supported Trump's bill, also backed Titus' bill in a statement reported by ESPN: "The American Gaming Association applauds Congresswoman Titus for introducing the FAIR BET Act. We are committed to working with Congresswoman Titus, other congressional leaders, and the Trump Administration to restore the long-standing tax treatment of gaming losses." What Happens Next If the FAIR BET Act does not pass, the new tax deduction provision will go into effect in 2026.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘This breaks my heart': Texas lawmakers react to deadly flooding
Texas lawmakers on both sides of the aisle took a break from July 4th festivities Friday to respond to deadly flooding in the state's Hill Country area that has left at least 13 dead and more than 20 children missing. Rescue teams, both in helicopters and boats, continue to search for those unaccounted for following heavy rain in the Kerr County region of the Lone Star State, which is known for its many summer camps. Camp Mystic, a girls camp in the area, had over 20 children unaccounted for on Friday. A gauge on the Guadalupe River in Hunt recorded a 22-foot rise in the river level in two hours, the Associated Press reported. 'This breaks my heart. Please join me in praying for the families who've lost their loved ones and for the speedy recovery of those missing,' Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) wrote online. 'Special thank you to the National Guard, first responders, law enforcement officers, and volunteers working to save lives.' Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn were also quick to share their concerns and condolences on social platform X. 'Please pray right now for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic. Today, I've spoken with Gov Abbott, Lt. Gov Patrick, the head of TDEM & President Trump. Multiple helicopters are performing search & rescue,' Cruz wrote on X. 'President Trump committed ANYTHING Texas needs.' TDEM is the Texas Department of Emergency Management. 'Our prayers are with the families of those lost and those still unaccounted for in today's tragic flooding,' Cornyn said in his post. 'My friend, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly says @TDEM is working with rescue teams and remains hopeful.' Rep. Chip Roy (R), who represents the state's 21st Congressional District, which includes the San Antonio region most affected by the storms, shared posts from others asking for prayers. Other lawmakers from surrounding districts issued statements, as well. Rep. Tony Gonzales, who represents Texas's 23rd Congressional District, wrote in a post online, 'My prayers are with our fellow Texans impacted by the devastating flooding throughout the Hill Country.' In the neighboring 11th District, Rep. August Pfluger (R) thanked those who offered their assistance as the floods wreaked havoc across the area. 'Thank you to the first responders across the district who mobilized immediately this morning, and to the countless other community leaders who have stepped in to help,' he wrote on X. 'As these floods continue, please stay safe everyone. We are praying for all affected.' 'Please continue to pray for those who are unaccounted for,' Pfluger added in a separate post. 'Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this terrible flood, especially the Camp Mystic family.' Rep. Vicente Gonzales called the weather incident 'tragic' while also thanking first responders for 'their bravery' amid tragedy. 'Lorena and I are heartbroken at the tragic flooding in Kerr County. We give our heartfelt condolences to the families of those lost, and pray for the safe recover of those missing,' he wrote. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) said they notified the families of those who had missing children. The governor said earlier Friday that the 'immediate priority is saving lives.' Authorities have stressed that the situation is still developing, and the death toll could change. President Trump, who celebrated his Independence Day at the White House with a bill signing ceremony and picnic for military families, has been in touch with Texas officials. Patrick said the president offered to provide any assistance needed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
‘This breaks my heart': Texas lawmakers react to deadly flooding
Texas lawmakers on both sides of the aisle took a break from July 4th festivities Friday to respond to deadly flooding in the state's Hill Country area that has left at least 13 dead and more than 20 children missing. Rescue teams, both in helicopters and boats, continue to search for those unaccounted for following heavy rain in the Kerr County region of the Lone Star State, which is known for its many summer camps. Camp Mystic, a girls camp in the area, had over 20 children unaccounted for on Friday. A gauge on the Guadalupe River in Hunt recorded a 22-foot rise in the river level in two hours, the Associated Press reported. 'This breaks my heart. Please join me in praying for the families who've lost their loved ones and for the speedy recovery of those missing,' Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) wrote online. 'Special thank you to the National Guard, first responders, law enforcement officers, and volunteers working to save lives.' Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn were also quick to share their concerns and condolences on social platform X. 'Please pray right now for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic. Today, I've spoken with Gov Abbott, Lt. Gov Patrick, the head of TDEM & President Trump. Multiple helicopters are performing search & rescue,' Cruz wrote on X. 'President Trump committed ANYTHING Texas needs.' TDEM is the Texas Department of Emergency Management. 'Our prayers are with the families of those lost and those still unaccounted for in today's tragic flooding,' Cornyn said in his post. 'My friend, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly says @TDEM is working with rescue teams and remains hopeful.' Rep. Chip Roy (R), who represents the state's 21st Congressional District, which includes the San Antonio region most affected by the storms, shared posts from others asking for prayers. Other lawmakers from surrounding districts issued statements, as well. Rep. Tony Gonzales, who represents Texas's 23rd Congressional District, wrote in a post online, 'My prayers are with our fellow Texans impacted by the devastating flooding throughout the Hill Country.' In the neighboring 11th District, Rep. August Pfluger (R) thanked those who offered their assistance as the floods wreaked havoc across the area. 'Thank you to the first responders across the district who mobilized immediately this morning, and to the countless other community leaders who have stepped in to help,' he wrote on X. 'As these floods continue, please stay safe everyone. We are praying for all affected.' 'Please continue to pray for those who are unaccounted for,' Pfluger added in a separate post. 'Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this terrible flood, especially the Camp Mystic family.' Rep. Vicente Gonzales called the weather incident 'tragic' while also thanking first responders for 'their bravery' amid tragedy. 'Lorena and I are heartbroken at the tragic flooding in Kerr County. We give our heartfelt condolences to the families of those lost, and pray for the safe recover of those missing,' he wrote. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) said they notified the families of those who had missing children. The governor said earlier Friday that the 'immediate priority is saving lives.' Authorities have stressed that the situation is still developing, and the death toll could change. President Trump, who celebrated his Independence Day at the White House with a bill signing ceremony and picnic for military families, has been in touch with Texas officials. Patrick said the president offered to provide any assistance needed.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cigar-Smoking Republican Not Remotely Concerned About Americans Losing Healthcare
As millions stand to lose access to Medicaid under Donald Trump's massive spending bill, Rep. Troy Nehls enjoyed a cigar and shrugged off their worries. House Republicans passed the 'Big Beautiful Bill' on Thursday, despite bipartisan concerns about its steep cuts to Medicaid and other social safety net programs. Trump is expected to sign it into law on Friday. It will result in 11.8 million people losing health insurance over the next decade, according to a recent estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, with other calculations putting the figure at over 17 million. Scripps News correspondent Elizabeth Landers asked Nehls—whose hands were wrapped in bandages—about that analysis after the bill's passage on Thursday. 'Can I ask you about the CBO score and the idea that 11 million, 12 million Americans may lose health insurance?' she asked. 'I don't have any faith and confidence in the CBO, their scoring, they're wrong half the damn time,' the Texas congressman said. 'I don't give any—nah. I'm not worried about the CBO." 'You're not worried at all that Americans may lose their healthcare because of this bill?' Landers followed up. Nehls seemed to suggest, without evidence, that the cuts would only impact undocumented immigrants. 'Some Americans that aren't Americans. And that is, the illegals,' said the lawmaker, who has on multiple occasions worn ties emblazoned with Trump's face to work. 'Why should illegals be on Medicare?' 'We did a great job with it all!' he added. 'The American people spoke.' According to recent polling, most Americans oppose the bill. A Fox News national poll found that only 38% of respondents favored the legislation. Other polls throughout June showed that Americans largely disapprove of it. Nehls' office did not immediately return a request for comment on his remarks or the bandages. While multiple other GOP lawmakers have dismissed the concerns about the bill's effects on Medicaid, one North Carolina senator effectively quit amid a dispute over it. Sen. Thom Tillis announced last week he would not seek re-election after railing against the Medicaid cuts. His opposition had prompted primary threats from Trump. In a fiery floor speech after his announcement, Tillis told Trump that supporting the latest version of the bill 'will hurt people who are eligible and qualified for Medicaid.' The bill will impose work requirements for Medicaid, which Republicans insist will weed out people who shouldn't qualify. But experts warn it will create a bureaucratic nightmare that will end up stripping coverage from eligible people, often in the most vulnerable segments of the population. It will slash about $1 trillion from the program, marking the largest cut in its history. Trump had previously vowed not to touch Medicaid.
