Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

Washington D.C. – Today, at an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) thanked Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin for touring the U.S.-Mexico border in southern San Diego and for his commitment to address the scourge of cross-border wastewater pollution. This follows a joint announcement from the EPA and U.S. International Border and Water Commission (IBWC) this morning, that both agencies will speed up the first phase of the incremental expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) from two years to 100 days. This phase will increase the plant’s capacity to treat wastewater from 25 to 35 million gallons per day (mgd). The full project to repair and expand the dilapidated plant, for which Representative Peters and the San Diego delegation have secured $360 million in the last 18 months, will double treatment capacity to 50 mgd. 

During the hearing, Rep. Peters stated, “I want to thank you for your recent visit to the South Bay and your tour of the Tijuana River Valley. This contamination issue remains, what I believe is one of the worst environmental catastrophes of the hemisphere and we are so encouraged by your commitment to working on a 100% solution… We’ve all worked really hard to get resources here — Republicans and Democrats. You have a partner here, and we’re happy to partner with you.”  

During his opening remarks, EPA Administrator Zeldin stated, “[We] have issued immediate action items for Mexico to permanently and urgently end the Tijuana River sewage crisis that has plagued Southern California for decades.”  

Last month, EPA Administrator Zeldin toured the South Bay at Rep. Peters’ invitation to see firsthand the ecological, economic, and health harms caused by this crisis.  

Further Background: 

Representative Peters has, for years, worked to address the cross-border pollution fouling San Diego’s coastal waters, including pushing for additional funding to fix and expand the dilapidated SBIWTP. The following are some recent actions: 

2025 

1. In March, Rep. Peters introduced legislation to authorize the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to accept funding from federal and non-federal entities for wastewater treatment, flood control projects, or other water conservation efforts. 

2024 

1. In January, Rep. Peters took to the House floor to demand that the President’s requested $310 million to fix and expand the dilapidated SBIWTP be included in any upcoming spending deal. 

2. In February, Rep. Peters joined members of San Diego’s Congressional delegation to ask U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro about the effects of cross-border pollution on Navy operations. 

3. In March, Rep. Peters celebrated the inclusion of $156 million, at his request, for the International Boundary and Water Commission’s (IBWC) construction budget in the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations bill. The IBWC is the federal agency tasked with operating and maintaining the SBIWTP. 

4. In May, Rep. Peters joined Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16) in a bipartisan request for $278 million for the IBWC’s construction budget in the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations bill. 

5. In August, Rep. Peters hosted Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma on a tour of the broken wastewater treatment plant. 

6. In September, Rep. Peters joined members of San Diego’s Congressional delegation to reiterate their call for a federal state of emergency declaration amid high levels of toxic gases. 

7. In December, Rep. Peters and the Congressional delegation successfully fought to include an additional $250 million to fully repair and expand the capacity of the SBIWTP in the government funding bill. This brought the total amount of funds secured to $650 million. 

2023 

1. In June, Rep. Peters led a letter with other members of the San Diego Congressional delegation to the governor of Baja California urging accountability for the Mexican government’s commitments to build wastewater treatment infrastructure. 

2. In July, members of the San Diego congressional delegation requested that the Environmental Protection Agency assist with directing environmental justice funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to help stop the flow of pollutants and urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to tour the broken plant. 

3. Also in July, they sent a letter to President Biden and submitted an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, calling on the administration to declare this crisis a federal emergency. 

4. In August, he led two letters to the Office of Management and Budget and to OMB and the State Department, calling for urgent additional funding to confront this crisis.  

5. In September, he proposed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill to boost U.S.- Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Grant Program funding. Additionally, he proposed two amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill to boost annual construction funding to the USIBWC to $100 million. 

6. In October, Rep. Peters led a bipartisan letter to the Department of State demanding a complete account of how the SBIWTP fell into such a severe state of disrepair. 

7. In December, he led a letter urging leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to include President Biden’s $310 million supplemental budget request to repair the SBIWTP in any upcoming funding package. 

In previous years, Peters and colleagues have secured funding, introduced legislation, called for investigations, and arranged a visit by EPA Administrator Regan in response to the wastewater contamination crisis.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10), with Senator Rick Scott (FL), and co-sponsored by Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07), introduced the Taiwan PLUS Act to strengthen U.S.–Taiwan defense cooperation and ensure peak efficiency in delivering vital weapons systems to deter the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

“Taiwan is on the front lines of CCP’s growing aggression, and it’s time our policies reflect the urgency of the threat,” said Congressman Perry. “This legislation streamlines our arms sales process to Taiwan, strengthens deterrence, and solidifies our commitment to defending American interests in the Indo-Pacific.”

Under current law, Taiwan must wait for congressional notification and a 30-day review period when requesting critical weapons systems exceeding low financial thresholds – $14 million for major defense equipment, $50 million for defense services, and $200 million for construction support. The Taiwan PLUS Act boosts these thresholds ($25 million, $100 million, and $300 million, respectively) to the same levels afforded to “NATO Plus” partners and shortens the review window to 15 days. By elevating Taiwan to the same status as trusted U.S. defense partners like Australia, Israel, and Japan, the bill removes red tape and improves speed and efficiency in military aid.

“Communist China has tried to intimidate and overpower our ally, Taiwan for years. Communist China has made clear they are more than willing to invade Taiwan as it continues its attacks on democracy around the world, and the United States must make clear we will continue to stand by Taiwan,” said Senator Rick Scott. The Taiwan PLUS Act will cut red tape and make it faster and easier for Taiwan to purchase the weapons it needs from the U.S. to defend itself should Communist China invade. Taiwan is a critical partner in the Indo-Pacific, and the U.S. must act with urgency to strengthen our defense ties to help our nation and our ally counter these threats from Communist China.“ 

Taiwan already is one of the United States’ closest defense collaborators – the top Foreign Military Sales customer in FY20, and historically tied with Japan as the third largest buyer since 1950. This bill ensures that future sales meet the moment by providing Taiwan with the tools needed to defend itself when needed.

“Streamlining the arms sale process will help ensure that Taiwan can defend itself in the face of Communist China’s reckless and relentless campaign of intimidation, said Congressman Tom Tiffany. “Promoting greater US-Taiwan security cooperation benefits both of our countries, and that’s exactly what this bill will do.“

As the CCP continues to escalate its hostile posture, the Taiwan PLUS Act sends a clear and unambiguous message: America stands with Taiwan, and will ensure our partners have the means to protect peace, freedom, and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), and John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), and Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (KS) and Mark Warner (VA) introduced an updated Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act. The bipartisan, zero-cost legislation would help get seniors the care they deserve and allow health care providers to spend more time with patients by streamlining and modernizing the prior authorization process under Medicare Advantage.

Prior authorization is a tool used by health plans to reduce unnecessary care by requiring health care providers to get pre-approval for medical services. However, the current system often results in multiple faxes or phone calls by clinicians, which takes precious time away from delivering care. Prior authorization continues to be the number one administrative burden identified by health care providers, and nearly three out of four Medicare Advantage enrollees are subject to unnecessary delays due to the practice.

“While we’ve made progress streamlining prior authorization, this practice still results in too many seniors facing harmful delays in their care and providers spending too much time justifying common procedures instead of treating patients,” said DelBene. “Our bipartisan bill builds on that progress by bringing the system into the 21st century and ensuring seniors can access the timely, high-quality care they deserve. When seniors are fighting deadly illnesses, they shouldn’t have to fight their insurance company.”

In 2025, 34.5 million people are enrolled in Medicare, including nearly 760,000 in Washington.

In 2024, the Congressional Budget Office determined that the legislation would result in a zero cost to American taxpayers. Patients would receive better access to necessary care, and providers would see a significant regulatory burden.  

In recent years, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) revealed that Medicare Advantage plans ultimately approved 75% of requests that were originally denied. More recently, HHS released a report finding that MA plans incorrectly denied beneficiaries access to services even though they met Medicare coverage rules. The bill focuses on holding Medicare Advantage plans accountable and transparent to the American public.

The bill would:

• Establish an electronic prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage plans including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.
• Increase transparency around Medicare Advantage prior authorization requirements and its use.
• Clarify HHS’ authority to establish timeframes for e-prior authorization requests including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other prior authorization requests.
• Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.
• Require HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-prior authorization process.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act unanimously passed the House in the 117^th Congress and was cosponsored by a majority of members in the Senate and House of Representatives in the 118^th Congress. The bill also received endorsements from over 500 national and state organizations representing patients, physicians, Medicare Advantage plans, hospitals, and other key stakeholders in the health care industry. 

In January 2023, HHS finalized regulations that made many of the changes proposed in the legislation. The bill would codify these wins to ensure no future administration could undo them and make further improvements.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 20th, the House Financial Services Committee voted to advance Congressman Brad Sherman’s (CA-32) bipartisan Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act, which he led along with Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (D-OR), clearing the way for its consideration on the House floor. 

The Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act makes a technical correction to a federal securities rule allowing Business Development Companies (BDCs) to access additional capital to invest in America’s small and medium sized businesses. Business development companies play a vital role in supporting small businesses around the nation who otherwise would be unable to access capital to grow their businesses. 

The most important thing that our financial institutions and capital markets do is provide capital for businesses, particularly small, medium-sized, and growing enterprises. These businesses are the engine of our economy, driving innovation, job creation, and regional economic development in ways that benefit every community. This bipartisan legislation will open the door for more investment in BDCs, thereby unlocking more capital for small and mid-sized businesses across the country. Importantly, it does so without rolling back investor protections or weakening existing SEC oversight.

“I’m pleased that the House Financial Services Committee passed this bill with broad bipartisan support, clearing the way for a vote by the full House,” said Congressman Brad Sherman. “I thank Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters for their assistance in advancing this legislation and urge House Republican leadership to swiftly bring it to the floor so that America’s small businesses can access the capital they need to grow and succeed.”

Senator David McCormick (R-PA) and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) have also recently introduced an identical version of Congressman Sherman’s bill in the Senate signaling bipartisan bicameral support. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

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

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, held a hearing titled “The Fiscal Year 2026 Environmental Protection Agency Budget.” The hearing, which featured Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, focused on the agency’s budget request for fiscal year 2026.

Chairman Griffith delivered his opening statement on the EPA’s ongoing work to rein in burdensome regulations and advance the “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative. Click on link below.

Later in the hearing, Chairman Griffith directed questions to Administrator Zeldin on his agency’s work. See below.

BACKGROUND

In the 118^th Congress, Rep. Griffith chaired the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.

In 2024, Congressman Griffith chaired the hearing, “Fighting the Misuse of Biden’s Green Bank Giveaway.”

Later in 2024, Rep. Griffith helped lead a letter with then-Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers of the Energy and Commerce Committee pressing the EPA for answers regarding Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) awards.

On April 11, 2025, Congressman Griffith joined Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie and Congressman Gary Palmer in an investigation into eight GGRF grant recipients.

In the 119^th Congress, Congressman Griffith is serving his first term as chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment.

The Environment Subcommittee’s first two hearings of the year focused on the EPA’s regulation of chemical manufacturing and the administration of the Brownfields Program. 

Congressman Griffith recently announced EPA Brownfields grants coming to Virginia’s Ninth District. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and members of the Louisiana congressional delegation delivered a letter to the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Mark Christie, requesting swift consideration and to uphold the authorization of Commonwealth LNG in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.

“Commonwealth LNG’s terminal is an important project that will contribute to American energy dominance due to its capacity to process up to 9.5 million tonnes per year of LNG upon project completion. Furthermore, the Commonwealth project represents a direct investment of $4.5 billion in Louisiana, and construction of the terminal will generate 2,000 jobs during peak construction and maintain 200 jobs during regular operations,” the Members wrote.

“Current predictions estimate global LNG demand to increase 60% by 2040, and Commonwealth LNG will support global energy security by supplying American-produced LNG to meet that increasing demand. Meeting global energy demands will reduce global reliance on LNG produced by our adversaries,” the Members continued. “Upholding Commonwealth LNG’s authorization for the Cameron Parish project is crucial to broaden American presence in the global LNG market and ensure national security.”

Read the full letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

Stefanik Supports DOJ Investigation into Disgraced Former Governor Andrew Cuomo | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, highlighted a new report from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee that found 267,788 Massachusetts residents would lose health coverage if the health provisions of the Republican reconciliation package are passed into law.
“Republicans claim they’re targeting waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid, but 267,788 Massachusetts residents aren’t line items to be slashed. They’re children with complex medical needs, seniors in nursing homes, and working families doing their best to stay healthy and make ends meet,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “These are our neighbors, not numbers on a spreadsheet in Washington that can be used to pay for tax cuts for billionaire campaign donors. Donald Trump’s so-called ‘big, beautiful bill’ is nothing more than a cruel attack on the care they rely on to survive.”
According to the Joint Economic Committee, Republican cuts to the Affordable Care Act will result in 100,800 Massachusetts residents losing coverage. Additionally, their decision to cut $715 billion from Medicaid will result in 166,978 Massachusetts residents losing health coverage through MassHealth. The full analysis, including congressional district-level data, can be accessed HERE.
Last week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee marked up House Republicans’ reconciliation package that will cut $715 billion from Medicaid and eliminate health coverage for at least 13.7 million Americans. Democrats on the Committee offered multiple amendments to prevent these cuts from moving forward, but all of them were rejected by Republicans along party line votes.
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