Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)
WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement in support of H.R. 4405
“The push to release the Epstein files is about justice for the victims and holding the perpetrators to account.
“It’s impossible to comprehend why President Trump and his most loyal allies in Congress have done everything possible to hide the Epstein files for months on end. The President has the absolute power to release the files, as he has done with other major cases such as the Kennedy assassination.
“Because of the President’s refusal to voluntarily release the files, today the House will vote to release them.
“I will vote yes.
“Since the inauguration, the Trump Administration has gone from calling for the Epstein files’ release, to calling them a hoax, to now reopening investigations focusing only on his political enemies. This must end and justice must be delivered to Epstein’s victims.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)
WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement on his vote against H. Res. 878:
“I have the greatest sympathy and respect for my colleague Rep. Chuy Garcia as he and his family confront personal tragedies and health challenges. I appreciate his lifelong commitment to his community that he has demonstrated over decades of service and admire his strength and commitment to his family that is reflected in the difficult decision to retire from Congress.
“Despite – or maybe because of – his record of community service, I was disappointed in the way Rep. Garcia ultimately announced his retirement that, on its face, precluded others from seeking to represent Illinois’s 4th District in the 120th Congress. Illinois has a long history of backroom deals and last-minute maneuvers that undermine people’s confidence in politics and politicians. I believe such dealings are a disservice to constituents and yet another symptom of a political system that desperately needs repair to restore the trust of the people. Voters pick their representatives – it must never be the other way around.
“I also appreciate that Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is willing to bravely step up and speak out when she sees what appears to be unseemly political gamesmanship. While I agree with Rep. Perez that such political maneuvers, though legal, are improper and should be criticized, I do not think consuming precious legislative time in the House of Representatives is the proper place or method for expressing such criticisms. After the longest shutdown in U.S. history, the House should be focused on funding the government, lowering the cost of living, and protecting Americans’ healthcare. We should be working locally to change the state laws that enable, and even empower, abuse of our election system.
“Furthermore, I fear members bringing their critiques – justified or not – to the floor of the House will lead to an endless flow of personal attacks that will only result in further gridlock and dysfunction. We have spent much of the past 24 hours focused on Rep. Perez’s resolution, only to see it immediately followed with another resolution focused on a colleague filed by Rep. Ralph Norman. These and future such distractions take up valuable House time and resources we could otherwise devote to making healthcare more affordable and bringing down prices that are spiking due to Trump’s policies.
Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)
Headline: Scott Votes To Release Epstein Files
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting to release the Epstein files:
“The survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and his conspirators have continuously asked for justice, accountability and transparency. And that is what today’s vote was about. We must release these files to assure the American people that nobody in the federal government is covering up these heinous crimes. Congress must now get back to our fight to lower costs for Americans starting with addressing the health care crisis that is making health insurance unaffordable for too many families.”
WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, issued the following statement after the Department of Education (ED) announced it signed six additional interagency agreements.
“The Trump Administration cannot close a federal agency without an act of Congress. Nevertheless, the Trump Administration is intent on breaking the law and dismantling the Department of Education (ED). Today’s announcement is part and parcel of the Trump Administration’s larger agenda to reduce federal enforcement of civil rights laws and eliminate support for low-income communities.
“A core function of ED is to protect and defend students’ civil rights. The federal government must retain its central role in enforcing students’ civil rights, because historically, when states had no federal oversight, we saw segregation of public schools, a refusal to educate students with disabilities, and a lack of resources for low-income communities.
“Moreover, it is explicitly stated in the Department of Education Organization Act that the purpose of creating ED was because a ‘dispersion of education programs across a large number of federal agencies ha[d] led to fragmented, duplicative, and often inconsistent federal policies relating to education.’ The mass transfer of these programs is not only extremely inefficient and wasteful, but it will result in inconsistent enforcement of federal education policy.
“I am certain today’s announcement will be challenged in Court. Instead of protecting the civil rights of students of color, students with disabilities, English as a Second Language (ESL) students, and low-income students, and closing achievement gaps, the Secretary of Education has spent her tenure dismantling ED. But most of all, I am upset about the irreparable harm this will cause students and families who will be caught up in this Administration’s war on education.
“Congress cannot let this stand. Congressional Republicans must work with Democrats to stop this assault.”
Background: Today, notwithstanding statutes that require these offices be established in ED, the Trump Administration announced that the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (20 U.S.C. § 3414) and the Office of Postsecondary Education (20 U.S.C. § 3415) will both move to the Department of Labor. The Office of Indian Education (20 U.S.C. § 3423c) will move to the Department of the Interior. The CCAMPIS Program (20 U.S.C. § 1070e) and the National Commission on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA) (20 U.S.C. § 1002) will move to the Department of Health and Human Services. And International and Foreign Language Education (20 U.S.C. § 1121) will move to the Department of State. To see how this action is part of President Trump’s Project 2025 Agenda to benefit billionaires at the expense of workers, students, and families,click here(see page 352).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata
Headline: Amata Highlights NTIA’s Approval of American Samoa’s Proposal for BEAD Broadband Funds
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announcement of the approval of the Final Proposals from 15 states and three territories, including American Samoa, to deliver universal broadband access through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This is the next major step in the process toward upcoming disbursement of American Samoa’s federal BEAD funding, established at over $37.5 million ($37,564,827.53).
Congresswoman Amata, President Trump, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick (speaking) on April 17, 2025 in the Oval Office highlighting the role of fishing in US economic and food security
Congress secured funding for the BEAD Program in theInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which Congresswoman Amata supported publicly throughout its consideration by Congress. She initially welcomedthe beginning of this BEAD funding effort in 2023.
“I strongly supported this infrastructure funding and the bipartisan law that created this program, and initially announced the beginning of this funding process in 2023,” said Congresswoman Amata. “It’s great to see another major step in place to invest in our islands’ broadband and infrastructure. Congratulations to our entire American Samoa Government team and thank you to the administration of Governor Pulaali’i and Lt. Governor Pulumataala for ensuring successful completion of the requirements expected by the Trump administration. These technology and infrastructure projects will boost our American Samoa economy and our young people’s education opportunities.”
The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion federal grant program that aims to connect every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships to build infrastructure. In June 2023, NTIA announced allocation amounts for all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia. States and territories then developed their proposals to use their allocated funds for eligible purposes, such as:
Planning for the deployment of high-speed internet, including conducting research, collecting data, outreach, and training
Deploying or upgrading internet infrastructure in unserved or underserved areas, or improving service to community anchor institutions
Installing internet and Wi-Fi service in multi-unit residential buildings
Internet access, adoption and use programs
Workforce readiness programs to meet the needs of the infrastructure programs
Other activities that increase meaningful use of constructed infrastructure, at the discretion of the Assistant Secretary.
Announced Tuesday, the States and Territories approved by NTIA include Louisiana, Wyoming, Iowa, American Samoa, Georgia, Arkansas, Delaware, Guam, Maine, New Hampshire, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, South Carolina, North Dakota, Hawaii, Montana, Rhode Island, and Virginia. And, one state, Louisiana, has signed its award amendment, allowing the state to access BEAD funds to begin delivering broadband to its constituents.
In June, NTIA issued the BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice (RPN), which removed extralegal regulatory burdens and implemented critical reforms to lower costs, speed up deployment, and ensure all technology solutions were considered. States and other Eligible Entities had until Sept. 4, 2025, to comply with the RPN and conduct an additional subgrantee selection round that delivered the Benefit of the Bargain for American taxpayers. NTIA then committed to reviewing these proposals and approving them within 90 days. Currently, 53 of the 56 states and territories have submitted Final Proposals.
“We are delivering the Benefit of the Bargain through the BEAD program that best serves the interests of the American people,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “After stripping away burdensome rules and regulations and wasteful requirements, taxpayers will save billions in unnecessary costs while connecting those in need to high-speed broadband through the full spectrum of broadband technologies.”
“The Trump Administration is on track to deliver universal connectivity in the United States once and for all, with huge cost savings for the American people,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. “The Final Proposals approved today show that the Benefit of the Bargain reforms are working and that our focus on results and strong oversight is paying dividends for communities across the country.”
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus on expanding broadband internet access in America, maximizing the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata
Headline: Amata Welcomes Final Passage of the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC), is welcoming final passage of legislation ensuring a cost-of-living boost for the year ahead in several Veterans’ benefits.
The House of Representatives passed theVeterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2025. The bill had already passed the Senate, and it has been sent to President Trump to be signed into law.
“Thank you to all our Veterans for their service,” said Vice Chairman Amata. “I want to keep our people informed about Veterans’ legislation in Congress, and welcome these specific increases for Veterans and their families. It’s important to recognize changes in the everyday costs of living and make the well-being of our Veterans a constant priority.”
Under this Act, Congress is requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the amounts payable for wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Under the bill, the VA must increase the amounts by the same percentage as the cost-of-living increase in benefits for Social Security recipients that is effective on December 1, 2025. The bill requires the VA to publish the amounts payable, as increased, in the Federal Register. The VA is also authorized to make a similar adjustment to the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who have not received compensation for service-connected disability or death.
On Monday, the House passed by voice vote the Senate version of the bill, S. 2392, introduced by Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kansas).
A Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment bill must be passed annually to keep pace with changes in living costs. The bipartisan 2022 bill (for 2023) was the largest COLA increase in many years, an increase of 8.7 percent, to combat inflation.
In other Veterans’ news, the Senate last week passed by unanimous consent the House version ofThe Medal of Honor Act, which had already been passed by the House in a unanimous roll call vote. This legislation more than triples the monthly special pension for living Medal of Honor recipients, an increase to $8,333.33 per month, $67,500 annually, while creating a monthly pension for spouses that survive their Medal of Honor recipient spouses, at a rate of $1,406.73 per month. In history, there have been over 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients, and currently 61 living. The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military decoration for valor.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California
Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) introduced H.R. 6200, the Eliminating Start-Stop Engine Nuisance Technologies that Impair Automobile Life (ESSENTIAL) Act, which would end federal mandates and incentives that push automatic engine start-stop systems in cars and trucks.
“One of the most annoying features in many new cars is the engine automatically turning off at stoplights and stop signs. Not only does this make the car feel like it’s stalled, but it causes a delay in acceleration as the engine restarts,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “This unnecessary feature with minimal environmental and mileage benefits wears out engine components faster, and pushing a button to turn it off every time a driver starts the car is not a solution. This bill gets rid of Federal interference that requires vehicle manufacturers to put this start-stop nuisance in cars and trucks, which should help actually improve safety and reduce maintenance costs.”
Without direct congressional authorization, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created “off-cycle technology credits” in 2010 as part of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fuel economy standards. These credits effectively reward automakers for installing automatic start-stop technology, a feature that automatically shuts off and restarts engines at stoplights or in traffic, as part of compliance with federal emissions rules.
The EPA is currently working to repeal existing GHG emissions standards as part of its broader effort to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding on greenhouse gases. NHTSA has similarly proposed ending the off-cycle credit program in its recent fuel economy rulemakings. The ESSENTIAL Act complements those actions by ensuring these burdensome mandates are fully repealed and cannot be reinstated.
The ESSENTIAL Act would:
Require the EPA Administrator and Secretary of Transportation to repeal or rescind any rule, policy, or program that incentivizes or requires automakers to install automatic engine start-stop systems in cars and trucks;
Prohibit those agencies from issuing any similar rule in the future;
Allow exceptions only for measures designed to prevent or reduce carbon monoxide poisoning; and,
Require reports to Congress on implementation progress.
Automatic engine start-stop technology has been widely criticized for causing wear on vehicle components, including starters, alternators, and batteries. It can also reduce the effectiveness of air conditioning systems when the engine shuts off, and it often cannot be permanently disabled by the driver.
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California
Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
“Today’s vote was a vote for accountability and transparency,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “I have long supported releasing the Epstein documents, including those that identify the perpetrators of abuse. The Department of Justice and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee have already released tens of thousands of Epstein documents, and this legislation builds on those actions. Today’s vote is another important step for obtaining justice for Epstein’s victims.”
The Epstein Files Transparency Act directs the Department of Justice to release all unclassified records tied to Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, related investigations, and materials connected to Epstein’s death.
The bill sets narrow limits on what cannot be released, allowing documents to be withheld or redacted only in cases involving victim privacy, child sexual abuse material, or graphic images.
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California
Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced their proposed rule to define waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule will fully implement the direction provided by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Sackett v. EPA, cutting red tape and bringing clarity for America’s energy producers, farmers, ranchers, businesses, and landowners.
“After years of federal overreach, this action by the EPA is a win for commonsense,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Under the Biden Administration the EPA used a broad definition of WOTUS resulting in private property owners having their rights severely curtailed due to government overreach. Today’s action is a step toward ending that abuse of power and restoring the rights of states, farmers, and landowners, while protecting clean water. I am pleased to see the EPA move toward a more reasonable and practical approach that reflects the true intent of the law.”
The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register and is open to a 45-day public comment period. More detailed information on the proposed changes can be found here.
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Research and Technology Subcommittee ChairmanJay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced the Chip Equipment Quality, Usefulness, and Integrity Protection Act of 2025 (Chip EQUIP Act). Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) plan to introduce the Senate companion of the bill in early December. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation will prevent companies that receive CHIPS Act funding from purchasing specialized manufacturing tools or equipment made by entities owned or controlled by the Chinese government, or other foreign entities of concern.
“The CHIPS and Science Act made historic investments to surge production of American-made semiconductors and address the supply chain vulnerabilities created by decades of offshoring in the semiconductor industry,” said Ranking Member Lofgren. “It is no surprise that other nations have taken note of these investments and are working to grow their own domestic capacity. We must continue to put American manufacturing first and strengthen our supply chains to remain ahead of our adversaries, like China. This common-sense bill will ensure CHIPS investments are not used to support our adversaries’ capacity to develop semiconductor manufacturing equipment. I thank my colleagues for partnering with me to protect American leadership in this critical industry.”
“Semiconductor manufacturing underpins both our national security and our long-term economic strength,” said Chairman Obernolte. “The Chip EQUIP Act ensures that the tools used in our fabrication facilities meet the highest standards of reliability and integrity, reinforcing a resilient supply chain. This legislation helps protect America’s technological leadership at a moment when global competition has never been more intense.”
“Through the CHIPS and Science Act, we’ve supported historic investments in Arizona and across the country to lead the world again in semiconductor manufacturing. But that progress can be put at risk if companies use Chinese-made tools and equipment in their U.S. facilities, opening the door for our adversaries to disrupt production and gain leverage over our supply chains and national security,” said Senator Kelly, a chief negotiator of the CHIPS and Science Act. “With this bill, we’re taking steps to prevent that and keep this industry strong here at home.”
“The United States must secure its semiconductor supply chains by ensuring American semiconductor companies don’t buy manufacturing tools from foreign adversaries like Communist China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran,” said Senator Blackburn.“The Chip EQUIP Act would prevent U.S. labs that receive CHIPS funding from utilizing manufacturing tools made in adversarial nations.”
Original cosponsors in the House include: Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the Select Committee on the CCP, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the Select Committee on the CCP. Representative Greg Landsman (D-OH). Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN).