Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3074, the Common Cents Act, sponsored by Representative McClain. I thank Representative McClain, along with Representative Robert Garcia, for their work on this legislation. The idea to end penny production is not a new one. In fact, other countries, like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have stopped producing pennies themselves. However, many of these countries executed this plan through a deliberate and meaningful process.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+41D shift +2$382K raised
Stephen Lynch
Representative · Massachusetts · Democrat
Stephen Lynch
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6556, the Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act, which I introduced in December 2025. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), our ranking member, who advanced this legislation unanimously within the committee. Specifically, the Failing Bank Acquisition Fairness Act will prevent megabanks from dominating the bidding process for acquiring a failed bank if there are other eligible bids from well-capitalized and well- managed small and midsized banks.
Mr. Speaker, as someone who grew up in the Old Colony Housing Projects in South Boston, Massachusetts, and as a cofounder of the Affordable Housing Caucus along with Reverend Emanuel Cleaver, Greg Meeks, and Ritchie Torres, I am proud to join my colleagues, French Hill from Arkansas; the gentlewoman from California, Maxine Waters; Chairman Flood; and Reverend Emanuel Cleaver from Kansas City in rising in support of this bill, which while it does not solve every issue we have today with housing in this country, it does a lot.
Biography
A former ironworker and union leader, Stephen Lynch brings firsthand experience of working-class challenges to Congress. Elected as U.S. Representative for Massachusetts’s 8th district in 2001, he focuses on labor rights, national security, and affordable healthcare. Lynch has authored legislation to expand workplace protections and serves as a senior member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Known for pragmatic problem-solving and close ties to his constituents, he advocates for policies that reflect the needs and values of his Boston-area district.
Education
- M.A. in Public Administration, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA1998
- J.D., Boston College Law School, Newton, MA1991
- B.S., Cum laude, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA1988
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2001-PresentRepresenting Massachusetts's 8th district
Member, Massachusetts Senate
1997–2001Member, Massachusetts House of Representatives
1995–96President, Ironworkers Local #7
1988–91Ironworker
Attorney
Policy Focus
Finance and Financial Sector26%
Transportation and Public Works22%
Government Operations and Politics15%
International Affairs11%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Stephen Lynch's record in Congress.
Postal Service Advocacy
Led efforts to protect USPS jobs and services, including co-sponsoring legislation to modernize and stabilize postal finances.
Opioid Crisis Response
Secured federal funding for opioid addiction treatment and prevention programs in Massachusetts communities.
Transportation Infrastructure
Helped obtain funding for the Green Line Extension and other major public transit improvements in the Boston area.
Afghanistan Oversight
Chaired congressional hearings on U.S. reconstruction spending and accountability in Afghanistan as a member of the Oversight Committee.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
- House Committee on Financial Services
Rep. Stephen Lynch FAQ
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