Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter donates salary during shutdown to Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia

SAVANNAH, GA – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today announced that he has donated his congressional salary for the 43 days that the government was shut down to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. 

This donation comes after Rep. Carter sent a letter requesting that his pay be withheld during the duration of the shutdown, a time when Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia stepped up to assist Georgia families on SNAP, WIC, and other government services that lapsed in funding, including those service members and federal employees who missed paychecks or had them threatened.

“Second Harvest helped many Georgians through the uncertainty of the shutdown; however, its impact has been felt in our area for many years, and countless families have been touched by its service and generosity. This donation will help ensure it and its volunteers can continue their great work through the holiday season, and I thank Second Harvest for being a valuable partner in Coastal Georgia,” said Rep. Buddy Carter. 

 

“We are deeply grateful to Rep. Earl ‘Buddy’ Carter for his gracious donation to Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia,” said Dan Umbel, President of the Board of Directors. “At a time when many families are facing heightened need, Rep. Carter’s support strengthens our ability to fight hunger across our region and reflects a true commitment to the well-being of every neighbor we serve.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Timber Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the Supporting American Wood and Mill Infrastructure with Loans for Longevity (SAWMILL) Act alongside Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) to permanently reauthorize the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP).  

“Washington State’s timber industry supplies our region with good paying jobs, helps reduce the risk of wildfires, and is a tool in responsibly managing our forests,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The SAWMILL Act gives timber mills the ability to grow their operations and support rural communities who stand to benefit even more from a strong, local timber industry. As we work in Congress on a wide range of policies to protect our forests, this legislation is a positive step we can take to make sure the federal government is making it easier for the industry to be successful here at home.” 

Rep. Sewell said, “Alabama’s rural landowners and forestry sector too often can’t access sawmills and other wood processing infrastructure which increase property values and advance the mission of forestry conservation. I am proud to join Rep. Newhouse in introducing the SAWMILL Act, which will bring critical infrastructure to rural communities, expand access to new markets for rural landowners, and encourage conservation of the environment.” 

TPEP offers low-interest, long-term loans for timber and wood processing companies to invest in their facilities and equipment, with a particular emphasis on supporting timber mills processing hazardous fuels. This simultaneously boosts rural economies and reduces wildfire risk on public lands.

The legislation is supported by the American Wood Council, American Forests, and The Lumber Manufactory (TLM). 

Jackson Morrill, President and CEO, American Wood Council, said, “Our nation’s sawmills and wood processing facilities directly employ nearly half a million Americans, with individual mills serving as economic drivers in their communities. When a mill closes, the whole community suffers, and some unfortunately never recover. We applaud Representatives Newhouse and Sewell for introducing the SAWMILL Act to help protect U.S. wood product manufacturing and rural jobs.” 

Rebecca Turner, Chief Policy and Partnerships Officer, American Forests, said, “For generations, sawmills have been economic engines of rural America. Now, the SAWMILL Act would support sawmills that are stepping up to restore our forests. Thanks to the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Newhouse and Sewell, the SAWMILL Act is a win-win-win — saving tax-payer dollars, promoting healthy forests, and helping rural communities thrive.” 

Michael Grasso, CEO, TLM, said, “The Lumber Manufactory (TLM) applauds Congressman Newhouse and Congresswoman Sewell for introducing The SAWMILL Act in the House of Representatives, which will permanently reauthorize the Timber Production Expansion Loan Guarantee Program (TPEP). TPEP is a vital tool to promote the revitalization of our country’s sawmill and wood processing infrastructure, while also supporting healthy forest management, wildland fire mitigation, and stimulating economic opportunity across rural America. In addition, the SAWMILL Act directly addresses the objectives outlined in the Executive Order for Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production.” 

Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.  

See full bill text here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

22 November 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Reps. Barragán and Kamlager-Dove Lead Letter to Call Out DOJ’s Quiet Removal of Study on Violent Right-Wing Domestic Terrorism

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last month, U.S. Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) led a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi to express their strong concern over the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) removal of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) study “What NIJ Research Tells Us About Domestic Terrorism” from the DOJ website.

The letter urged the DOJ to provide an explanation for the removal of the study, disclose whether there was White House involvement, and clarify the Executive Orders used as the basis for DOJ’s review of websites and research materials.

The NIJ study concluded that violent acts committed by far-right extremists have outpaced those committed by far-left extremists or other groups. Yet, despite these findings, the Administration has publicly advanced false claims that “the Radical Left” is the primary driver of political violence.

“The quiet removal of this critical study is yet another attempt by the Trump administration to rewrite history,” said Rep. Barragán. “To erase the dangers of right-wing extremism not only undermines public trust in both the DOJ and our government, it is also a threat to our national security. The suppression and misrepresentation of critical reports like this allow Trump to push harmful narratives and permits domestic terrorism against American communities because of their beliefs and ideals. That is un-American. The DOJ must republish the report.”

“Domestic terrorism and political violence must be forcefully condemned and confronted, regardless of who commits it,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “Yet, by quietly removing this report, the Trump Administration is attempting to hide the prevalence of far-right violent extremism to reinforce its dangerous, false narrative that left-wing extremism alone is one of the gravest problems facing our country. This is more than an attempt to score cheap political points; it serves a pretext for Trump to target political opponents, and it jeopardizes our national security by sweeping extremist violence under the rug. The report must be republished.”

Since the 1960s, NIJ research and data collection have been an essential tool for policymakers, law enforcement, and communities in understanding extremist violence. The study reviewed data from 1990 to 2020 and found far-right extremists responsible for the vast majority of ideologically motivated killings. These findings are consistent with independent research that found right-wing extremists responsible for more than twice the number of politically motivated deaths, compared to left-wing extremists, since 2020.

The removal of the NIJ study, paired with misleading public claims, raises serious questions about whether DOJ is suppressing research in favor of partisan narratives. This comes as President Trump’s memorandum on domestic terrorism pledges to focus federal resources on “left-wing terrorism,” while dismissing experts who present contrary evidence.

The letter was also signed by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT); Donald Beyer (D-VA); Jasmine Crockett (D-TX); Henry ‘Hank’ Johnson (D-GA); Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA); Summer Lee (D-PA); Mark Takano (D-CA); and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

To view the full letter, click HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

22 November 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Reps. Barragán and Bell Introduce the Food Assurance and Security Act to Restore USDA’s Annual Food Access Report

Washington, D.C.—Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.) and Wesley Bell (D-Mo.)  introduced the Food Assurance and Security Act, legislation that reinstates and protects the federal government’s annual reporting on hunger and food insecurity in the United States. The bill requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in coordination with the Census Bureau, to maintain an interagency food security measurement program and publish comprehensive yearly data on household food insecurity—data that was halted under the Trump Administration after its historic cuts to SNAP. 

Last month, Rep. Barragán also sent a letter, joined by 21 other House Democrats, to USDA that urged the continuation of the food security report when the agency first announced its discontinuation. The letter also urged for immediate reinstatement of the agency researchers who were placed on non-disciplinary administrative leave who worked on the survey. 

“I am proud to co-lead this bill, which reinstates the annual food access report published by the USDA. The Trump administration ended this report right after they made the largest cuts to SNAP in history. This cannot be coincidence,” said Rep. Barragán. “Kicking hardworking Americans off SNAP means more people will be forced to go to food banks or shelters because basic groceries are too expensive. We cannot stand by and watch as the Trump Administration tries to hide the real harm of their cuts to food assistance by cancelling this report.”

“Families across the country are struggling to put food on the table, and the last thing they need is a government trying to hide the full scope of hunger in America,” said Rep. Bell. “Restoring this report ensures we confront the real challenges people are facing instead of sweeping them under the rug.”

“Today’s introduction of the Food Assurance and Security Act comes as the Trump administration moves to erase the benchmark Household Food Security Report,” said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “This report has been our roadmap to understanding who is struggling to put food on the table, and the solutions needed to ensure no one goes hungry in the world’s wealthiest nation. The most recent cuts to SNAP will undoubtedly deepen hunger and hardship. Eliminating this annual data will only hide the reality of hunger, not end it. We can’t let this happen, especially as families grapple with the rising costs of food, housing, health care, and other basic needs. We strongly urge Congress to pass this bill without delay.”

SNAP has proven to reduce food insecurity and strengthen financial stability for young people building their futures. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to the Urban Institute, nearly 3 million young adults ages 18 to 24 are at risk of losing these benefits, as the law includes $186 billion in cuts to SNAP.

Read the full bill text here.

Read the full letter text here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Lucille Hoback Boggess passed away on November 19, 2025. The sister of two Bedford Boys who lost their lives on D-Day, Ms. Hoback Boggess served as Commissioner of Revenue and Board of Supervisors Member in Bedford County and was a leading figure in the establishment of the National D-Day Memorial. In response to her passing, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Lucille Hoback Boggess. Through her tenure as an elected official, becoming the first woman in Bedford County history elected to countywide office, and her tireless advocacy for the National D-Day Memorial, Ms. Hoback Boggess is an icon in Bedford County and Central Virginia communities. I join our region in mourning the loss of an inspirational figure.”

BACKGROUND

In June 2025, Congressman Griffith delivered remarks on the House floor to commemorate D-Day. During his remarks, he honored National D-Day Memorial founder Bob Slaughter and also credited Ms. Hoback Boggess.

In 2023, Congressman Griffith announced that the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Park Service (NPS) inducted Bedford County, Virginia, into its American World War II Heritage Cities Program largely due to its National D-Day Memorial and culture.

Bedford County is the only World War II Heritage City in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Studies Have Shown that Systemic Bias in Home Appraisal Processes Disadvantages Families of Color

Bill Text

WASHINGTON– Today, on National Housing Day, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) introduced the Appraisal Modernization Act, legislation to promote equity and combat systemic bias in the home appraisal process that has disadvantaged many current and aspiring homeowners—especially homeowners of color. The Senate companion legislation is being led by Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

“Home valuation has a direct impact on one’s ability to build generational wealth, and discrimination in home appraisals have exacerbated America’s glaring racial wealth gap for far too long,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley. “To address these disparities and advance economic justice—including for families of color—I’m proud to introduce the Appraisal Modernization Act. Our bill would combat systemic bias in home valuations and help ensure our home appraisal processes are accurate and equitable for all.”

“Home valuations are a critical part of the mortgage lending process and help ensure families can build generational wealth through homeownership,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “This legislation will help Georgia families and all Americans realize the full value of their homes, and it empowers them with more data and tools to fight bias that would lower their homes’ values.”

“Lawyers for Civil Rights applauds Representative Pressley’s Appraisal Modernization Act, which aims to bring accountability, transparency, and fairness to the home appraisal process. Combating bias in home valuations is a key step towards closing the racial wealth gap and addressing discrimination against homeowners of color. It is past time that we begin to level the playing field by ensuring that all families have the same opportunity to build generational wealth through homeownership.” – Jillian Lenson, Senior Attorney, Lawyers for Civil Rights

“An appraisal has the power to determine the value of a consumer’s most important financial asset and can hold the key to determining whether the consumer is able to purchase a permanent home rather than rent, access credit on reasonable terms, and build wealth for generations to come,” said Nikitra Bailey, Executive Vice President of the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA). “NFHA commends Rep. Pressley and her colleagues for a common-sense bill designed to provide consumers with consistent standards for obtaining a fair and accurate home valuation.”

“The long history of bias in home appraisals has denied entire communities the full advantages of intergenerational wealth-building and economic development. The neighborhood impacts hurt everyone: renters, homeowners, and prospective homeowners alike. NLIHC applauds Rep. Pressley for addressing this injustice by introducing the Appraisal Modernization Act in the House.” – David Gonzalez Rice, Senior Vice President for Public Policy, National Low-Income Housing Coalition

“Fair housing requires fair appraisals,” said Demetria McCain, Director of Policy at the Legal Defense Fund. “Black households have been callously discriminated against in home appraisals, preventing them from building wealth and limiting their ability to start a business, pay for their children’s education, and access other economic opportunities. Appraisal discrimination has no place in the housing ecosystem. We are pleased at the introduction of this bill and urge the House to swiftly pass it.”

“For too long, biased appraisals have robbed families — especially Black and Brown families — of the opportunity to buy homes, build stability, and create generational wealth,” said Sakira Cook, Federal Policy Director at the Southern Poverty Law Center. “The Appraisal Modernization Act is a crucial step toward correcting decades of discrimination by bringing long-overdue transparency and accountability to the process. We applaud Congresswoman Pressley, Senator Warnock, and their colleagues for advancing this essential legislation to ensure every family is treated fairly — and that future generations can fully participate in the promise of homeownership.”

For most Americans, the largest driver of wealth is their home, making it critically important to have accurate, unbiased home valuations. Instead, several studies have identified a clear relationship between lower valuations and Black neighborhoods, revealed race was considered in the appraisal process, and concluded that White borrowers’ homes were consistently overvalued, but especially so in Black neighborhoods. There have also been several high-profile incidents of Black or Latino families receiving a higher appraisal after “whitewashing” their home. Biased appraisals have real world consequences: today, Black and Latino families have considerably less wealth than White families. White families on average hold $1.3 million in wealth, compared to $211,000 for Black and $227,000 for Latino families.

The Appraisal Modernization Act would require lenders to have standardized policies to ensure consistent treatment of consumers who request that the appraiser reconsider the opinion of value or that the lender order a subsequent appraisal. It would:

• Ensures a standard consumer right to appeal: The Act would ensure that every consumer is provided with a standardized process to obtain a fair appraisal and has the opportunity to access the full benefits of homeownership.
• Represent minimal burden for lenders. Most responsible lenders already have a standardized process that follows the guidance issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Also, standardized processes are a critical part of a lender’s Compliance Management System. This Act would help reduce a lender’s legal liability by clarifying that processing a consumer’s request for a reconsideration of value does not conflict with the Appraiser Independence Rules.
• Provide appraisal data to the public: This Act would also require the General Accounting Office (GAO) to issue a public report assessing the feasibility of a public appraisal database. Providing appraisal data to the public would increase the transparency and consistency of the appraisal process.

Bill text is available here.

The legislation is endorsed by Lawyers for Civil Rights, The Boston Foundation, National Fair Housing Alliance, National Consumer Law Center, National Low-Income Housing Coalition, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and Southern Poverty Law Center.

In January 2024 House Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley highlighted the growing housing crisis and how appraisal bias and discriminatory tenant screening practices exacerbate the racial wealth and homeownership gaps, especially for Black communities.

As a Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance of the House Financial Services Committee (FSC), Rep. Pressley has consistently advocated for policies that affirm housing as a human right and center the dignity and humanity of all people.

• In May 2025, Rep, Pressley, along with Representatives Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), and Greg Casar (TX-35), reintroduced the Tenants’ Right to Organize Act, legislation to protect the power of tenants, including those with federal vouchers, to organize.
• In June 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Representatives Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), re-introduced the Tenant Empowerment Act, bold legislation to strengthen HUD tenant protections and provide renters with the tools necessary to improve the quality of their homes.
• In March 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Mayor Wu, visited Roxbury to celebrate the $1,000,000 in federal funding she secured to provide emergency childcare support for families experiencing homelessness in the City of Boston.
• In March 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Senators Warren and Markey, applauded the final passage of $850,000 in federal community project funding for The Pryde, an affordable housing development for LGBTQ+ seniors in Hyde Park.
• In March 2024, Rep. Pressley urged Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to cut interest rates to boost home affordability and construction of affordable housing.
• In January 2024, Rep. Pressley, during a House Financial Services Committee Hearing, highlighted the growing housing crisis and how appraisal bias and discriminatory tenant screening practices exacerbate the racial wealth and homeownership gaps, especially for Black communities.
• In January 2024, Rep. Pressley celebrated the $2.4 million in federal funding she secured to support the community-led transformation of the Clarendon Hill housing community, an ethnically, linguistically and economically diverse neighborhood in Somerville.
• In December 2023, Rep. Pressley requested the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide data on housing needs for Medicaid beneficiaries and feedback on challenges the agency is having in covering housing support for people requiring home and community-based services (HCBS).
• In July 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), reintroduced the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program (HELP) Act, critical legislation to provide much-needed assistance to those facing eviction amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 
• In September 2021, Rep. Pressley joined Rep. Bush and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in introducing the Keeping Renters Safe Act of 2021 to enact an urgently needed nationwide eviction moratorium. 
• On July 2021, ahead of the expiration of the previous CDC eviction moratorium, Reps. Pressley, Bush, Gomez and their progressive colleagues sent a letter renewing their calls for President Biden and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky to extend the federal eviction moratorium and prevent the historic and deadly wave of evictions that would occur if the government failed to do so. 
• On July 30, 2021, Rep. Pressley joined House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) in introducing the Protecting Renters from Evictions Act of 2021, legislation to extend the eviction moratorium through the end of the year. 
• In June 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Reps. Gomez and Bush, led over 40 of their colleagues on a letter urging President Biden and CDC Director Walensky to extend and strengthen the moratorium for the duration of the public health crisis. 
• In June 2021, Congresswoman Pressley, along with Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), re-introduced the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act, a bill to institute a nationwide cancellation of rents and home mortgage payments through the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.
• On May 18, 2021, Reps. Bush and Pressley sent a letter to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), calling on the CDC to strengthen and extend the federal moratorium on evictions, ensuring families can remain safely in their homes for the duration of the COVID-19 global health emergency.
• On July 28, 2020, Rep. Pressley, Rep. DeLauro and Sen. Harris introduced the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program (HELP) Act to provide much-needed, layered assistance to those facing eviction amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
• On July 24, 2020, in a Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley discussed the unprecedented financial cliff facing millions of renters and homeowners, the economic consequences of millions losing their homes, including the ability to return to work, and why funding for legal representation is so critical.
• On May 11, 2020, Reps. Tlaib, and Joe Neguse (D-CO) urge House and Senate leadership to include $11.5 billion in funding for Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) in the next relief package to aid the nation’s homeless population who are experiencing heightened vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• On April 10, 2020, Rep. Pressley urged Congressional leadership to prioritize recurring monthly cash payments to those most at-risk during the COVID-19 crisis. This funding would allow people to cover all their bills, including rent.
• On April 17, 2020, Reps. Pressley, Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and colleagues introduce the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act, a bill to institute a nationwide cancellation of rents and home mortgage payments through the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.

• On March 23, 2020, Reps. Pressley and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced the Public Health Emergency Shelter Act of 2020, legislation to provide critical funding to states and local governments responding to the needs of families and individuals experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis. This legislation was included and passed through the HEROES Act and H.R. 7301, the Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020.
• On March 19, 2020, Rep. Pressley, along with progressive lawmakers and organizations, introduced the Housing is a Human Right Act to authorize more than $200 billion in federal spending over 10 years for crucial housing infrastructure and reduce homelessness.
• On March 18, 2020, Reps. Pressley, Katie Porter (D-CA) and Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) wrote to HUD calling for a moratorium on evicting renters during the coronavirus pandemic.
• In July 2019, Rep. Pressley announced legislation that would prohibit the use of biometric recognition technology in most public and assisted housing units funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), protecting tenants from biased surveillance technology. 
• In November 2019, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Tlaib wrote to HUD blasting the agency for ignoring low-income tenants seeking to save their homes.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Votes to Lower Energy Costs

Tonight, Congressman John Moolenaar voted for the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025. This legislation would lower energy costs and strengthen American energy production. Specifically, it would remove unnecessary barriers that have slowed down U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. 

“President Trump and Republicans are making America into a powerhouse for safe, reliable energy production. Tonight’s legislation builds on the administration’s work by cutting red tape to lower energy costs. It’s good for jobs, good for our economy, and good for America’s national security.” said Moolenaar. 

This legislation streamlines the approval process for LNG export terminals by shifting decision-making authority to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This will allow important projects to move forward faster and help the United States maintain its position as a global energy leader. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

Tonko Statement Calling Out Trump’s Russia-Ukraine ‘Peace’ Plan

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Larsen Releases Statement on Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks