Ben Kamens

Welcomed #RailDay2026 advocates to Capitol Hill! Freight and passenger rail drives jobs, power manufacturing and farming, and get our people where they are going. We fight together for investment in safer, modern infrastructure to protect communities and grow our economy!

I hear it in checkout lines, at the gas pump and almost everywhere I go: groceries are up, utility bills are higher and rent is stretching families thin. No one is asking for handouts. They’re asking for a fair shot. President Trump promised to solve the affordability crisis, but it’s getting WORSE.

Everywhere I go working people talk to me about affordability. It’s their top concern. While grocery prices continue to rise, in the last 24 hours alone, the average price for a gallon of gas in Ohio is up 22 cents a gallon, from $2.78➡️$3.00. When will the GOP help us make life more affordable?

YouTube video by USRepMarcyKaptur Congresswoman Kaptur Floor Speech On Rising Energy Bill Costs For Families Across The United States

Americans are facing higher energy costs, but it's not their fault. The Trump Administration is rolling back incentives to help lower costs and create new energy systems of the future. We need to stand up for affordability—not send our country backward.

3 US troops killed, 5 seriously wounded in actions against Iran U.S. Central Command officials announced Sunday that three U.S. service members were killed in action during combat operations.

Deeply saddened by the loss of three brave American servicemembers who gave their lives in service to our nation in the Middle East. May those injured find comfort in our prayers for their full and speedy recovery. Their courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Read more here:

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🧵 The Trump-Vance Administration has singularly launched a regime change war on Iran and deployed US military forces and assets by fiat without Congressional authorization.
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Last week the Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s illegal tariff regime which cost each American family $1,751. For many across our Great Lakes region that number was far higher. Now he’s putting more tariffs in place in defiance of SCOTUS and it could cost your family even more next year!

I work every day on behalf of the people of NW Ohio: farmers, factory workers, small business owners, nurses, veterans, retirees. They carry the heavy burden of President Trump's reckless trade war. Tariffs hit our region harder than almost anywhere in our country, because we make and grow America.

The Constitution clearly gives Congress the power to spend taxpayer funds, and no law allows the president to halt if he feels some US states aren’t being “good stewards” of the money.

In case there’s any confusion on this, the Impoundment Control Act forbids it.

Taxation without representation.

Truly honored to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth alongside powerful multifaith, multicultural, and multiracial coalitions working every day to uplift our communities. When we celebrate diversity and culture, we reaffirm our shared commitment to dignity, justice, and opportunity for all.

In communities across NW Ohio and throughout America, our strength is measured by neighbors serving neighbors. That’s why I invited local leaders and trailblazers like Kara Bolinger and Mayor Carrie Schlade who embody that spirit of service to tonight’s State of the Union Address.

Today marks 4 years since Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. History shows that left unchecked, the greed and carnage of tyrants never stops. Ukraine’s sovereignty as a free state must be protected. America must always stand with our ally. Liberty must prevail for Democracy to endure.

It’s a clean sweep for the Men and Women of @USAHockey.bsky.social! Congratulations to Team USA for bringing home the Gold in Men’s Hockey for the first time since 1980! Our hockey rich Great Lakes region and the USA from coast to coast are so very proud.

What a save!

When SCOTUS green lights unlimited contributions from Billionaires as it did in the Citizens United decision, nothing checks the "quid pro quo for improper commitments from the candidate." Pay to Play is alive and well and it's hurting our region again.

President Trump's unconstitutional and ill conceived across the board tariffs have impacted our NW Ohio region more than almost any other. Our farmers, manufacturers, and local tourism economy have been hit hardest. Every day, our consumers have paid dearly. Today the Supreme Court has said no more.

As we seek more doctors, nurses, and health care professionals, I was happy to spend time with dozens of NW Ohio students at Mercy College who see medical professions as their future career path.

🧵 I am alarmed by reports that the Trump Administration is pressuring Ukraine into ceding its sovereign territory and the people who live on it to Russia as part of ongoing negotiations to end Russia’s war on Ukraine. 1/8

My heart goes out to the family of Reverend Jesse Jackson of Chicago including his wife Jacqueline and their 5 children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline Jr. He was an inspiring, indefatigable, and eloquent preacher for “Justice for All,” at home and abroad.

Ramadan Mubarak to all celebrating in NW Ohio, and around the globe. May you find connection and meaning in time spent with family, community, and those you love during this important time of reflection and prayer.

Interested in the future of public transit in NW Ohio?

TARTA is looking for public input on their Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plans to make riding faster, more reliable, and easier to use for all in our communities.

Make your voice heard by filling out the survey at: brtsurvey.tarta.com

So grateful for the opportunity to join the Women Religious Archive Collaborative for its celebration of the service and lived history of Catholic Sisters across the United States.

On #PresidentsDay remembering important contributions of great Presidents throughout 250 years of our nation’s history. Vision and courage will preserve our strength and maintain the inheritance our past leaders left for us and future generations.

The EPA’s mission is “to protect human health and the environment” using the best available scientific information. Protecting the health of the American people requires environmental protections and a balanced approach—not political games.

The bill wasn’t 71 votes short, it passed the House and the Senate. It is unlikely to have a veto proof majority to overturn, but it still forces the president to veto or sign the legislation. It also can be a signal to the Supreme Court who will decide the legality of Presidential tariff authority.

It’s not a messaging bill, it’s a bill that can repeal Canada tariffs. If 290 had voted for it instead of 219, they’d have the veto proof majority needed. It’s a matter of political will, not better political messaging that is needed.

As Ohioans on @Democrats-Appropriations.House.gov Ag Subcommittee and @HouseAgDems.bsky.social @RepShontelBrown.bsky.social and I know how important farmers are to Ohio’s economy. In Huron at Mucci Farms & The Chef’s Garden we discussed a strong Farm Bill and year round Ohio agriculture production.

Each tariff is declared as its own national emergency. This one needed to be repealed on its own and took a discharge petition to force a vote because the Speaker of the House refused even though the Senate had already passed it 3 times. The President will likely veto and it’s unlikely for override.

During this #BlackHistoryMonth Ohio's own Laila Edwards became the first Black woman ever to play for Team USA in Olympic Women's Ice Hockey history. Her story reminds us that progress doesn't just happen by accident. With the Quarterfinals today I join all of Ohio in saying:

Go Laila! Go Team USA!