Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (D-FL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced legislation to fully fund Brand USA, the nation’s public–private destination marketing organization, restoring its capacity to attract international visitors and strengthen the U.S. economy. The bill, titled the VISIT USA Act, would reinstate support by fully allocating Visa Waiver Program Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fees, ensuring that Brand USA can continue its proven mission of promoting the United States as a premier global travel destination. Brand USA operates through a public–private partnership model, funded by nonfederal contributions from the travel and hospitality industry and matched by a portion of ESTA fees paid by international visitors—not by general taxpayer dollars.

“International tourism generates billions of dollars in economic activity and supports tens of thousands of jobs for hardworking Americans. In Florida, our economy benefits when visitors from around the world visit our beautiful state,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “Across the Tampa Bay area, international travel sustains good-paying jobs, supports our small businesses and strengthens our ports and airports. From our world-class beaches and cultural institutions to our vibrant food, sports and natural areas, international tourism powers our economy. A strong Brand USA means keeping Florida competitive, attracting new markets, and ensuring that the Sunshine State continues to shine on the world stage. This bipartisan bill will help restore vital marketing capacity, expand economic opportunity, and keep Tampa Bay and communities across America open and welcoming to travelers who contribute to our shared success. I thank my partner Rep. Bilirakis for leading the effort.”

“As Co-Chair of the Travel and Tourism Caucus in the House, I understand that tourism is a powerful engine for communities large and small. It supports local businesses, fills hotels, and brings in tax dollars that fund schools, transportation, and public services,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “Fully funding Brand USA is not just smart policy, it’s economic stewardship. Brand USA helps every corner of our country. When international travelers visit, they don’t just go to major cities—they travel to small towns, historic sites, and national parks. Fully funding Brand USA means supporting jobs and growth in communities across Florida and nationwide. Floridians understand that international tourism isn’t a luxury—it’s an economic necessity. By restoring full funding to Brand USA, we ensure more visitors come, more businesses benefit, and more communities thrive.”

International travel generates billions of dollars in economic activity, and Brand USA’s efforts deliver substantial returns. Its marketing campaigns attract visitors who spend heavily and support jobs not only in tourism, but across retail, hospitality, transportation, and other sectors. Independent research shows that Brand USA’s initiatives have supported tens of thousands of U.S. jobs annually and have generated significant federal, state, and local tax revenue. As other countries increase investments in destination marketing, fully funding Brand USA is essential to maintaining the United States’ competitive position in the global travel market. With major upcoming international events, this moment presents a critical opportunity to reignite international travel to the United States. Studies consistently demonstrate a strong return on investment, with Brand USA delivering multiple dollars in economic value for every dollar spent.

“This legislation is an important step forward, and we are grateful for Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Kathy Castor leading this effort,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “With the World Cup, America 250 and the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the U.S. has a pivotal chance to capture global attention. By restoring Brand USA’s resources, Congress can help drive new visitors, support jobs nationwide and ensure the United States stands out on the world stage.” 

Representatives Castor and Bilirakis are urging colleagues in both chambers of Congress to join them as co-sponsors. The legislation has the support of a wide coalition of travel, lodging, and hospitality industry stakeholders who view Brand USA as vital to sustaining international inbound travel. Fully restoring Brand USA’s funding will enable the organization to expand its global marketing efforts, drive future travel demand, and fuel economic growth nationwide.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) questioned Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Director Dr. Phillip Swagel at a Budget Committee hearing titled “Oversight of the Congressional Budget Office” on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Read his remarks below and watch here.

Remarks as Delivered

Dr. Swagel, thank you for being here. I know it’s maybe sometimes positive and negative in terms of talking about the things you do and our things we want to celebrate, [or] things we want to criticize or complain about.

I know a lot of our discussion today is about transparency, and I think it’s very important as we talk about the agency and the existence for the last 50 years and how important a role the CBO plays in the legislative process.

As the designated scorekeepers, it’s important that your reports [and] analysis are available. They have a dramatic impact on bills that come through the House and the Senate – as well as the public perception of what we pass and decisions we make regarding legislation.

We need to make sure that CBO works to improve scores, to actually make sure that they align with reality. Like any estimate, there’s going to be some variation. Ideally, you want to minimize that variation up or down within closest tolerance as possible. 

Unfortunately, as we’ve talked about previously in the committee room, CBO sometimes falls short of making those good estimates that help us make decisions. The biggest example I guess, most current, is that the Congressional Budget Office estimated the score for major pieces of legislation like the Democrats’ Inflation Act.

The Energy and Climate provisions in that bill were estimated by CBO at $391 billion, but estimates by Credit Suisse were double at $800 billion, and Goldman Sachs came out with $1.2 trillion. I will note that shortly after the vote was passed, CBO did revise its estimates up through that process. 

My struggle, and I think a lot of our struggle, is that we’re literally making trillion-dollar decisions based on this information, so we want to make sure it’s the best possible. 

There [are] other examples we could talk about in terms of inflation estimates or budget deficit estimates. We need to make sure that we are as accurate as possible.

One of the things … I think we’ve talked about in other conversations and hearings is some of the executive actions and some of the decisions around executive actions. I know that was a big description that was used in the trillion-dollar myths a year ago, with some of the discussions around that.

At the end of the day, we really want to make sure we’re transparent in these things. As I’ve talked about before, working on legislation that would actually require CBO to calculate through the baseline or include in the baseline an update on separate tables detailing some of those judicial or executive actions that have been issued since the last publication that would have a momentous amount – $50 billion or more. Looking at, how do we finalize executive orders and the impacts through that? I know there’s a whole bunch of things that we talk about, and you’ve been hit with a lot of things, ranging from health care and other issues and talking about estimates for economic growth.

In my work on Ways and Means, I pushed a lot on research and development and how R&D and other innovative ideas help grow the economy. How can we work moving forward? 

I want to give you an opportunity to at least have some comments on maybe proposals around executive actions or other things. How do we narrow down the estimates to more closely react and be able to refine that process?

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), along with 12 other members, introduced a package of eight bills that apply guardrails to Medicare Advantage (MA) programs while strengthening traditional Medicare.

“Only Medicare is Medicare. It is one of the most popular and important services our government provides,” Rep. Pocan said. “But for too long, private healthcare companies taking advantage of Medicare’s brand and popularity have tricked and wronged seniors. This package of commonsense, pro-patient reforms will bring greater accountability, transparency, and affordability to Medicare Advantage, while strengthening traditional Medicare and protecting patient choice. This package represents a strong step forward to protect seniors, save taxpayer dollars, and restore integrity to the Medicare program.”

The eight bills are below and can be divided into three subcategories:

Delays and Denials of Care

1. Denials Don’t Pay Act: Disincentivizes MA companies from delaying and denying lifesaving care through dangerous prior authorization requirements. (one-pager)
2. Right to Appeal Patient Insurance Denials (RAPID) Act: Ensures that patients receive the necessary care they are entitled to by automatically appealing any denial of care. (one-pager)
3. Disclose Your Denials Act: Requires MA plans to audibly and visually disclose their delay and denial rates when advertising, increasing transparency in the MA program, and allowing patients to be better informed. (one-pager)

MA Companies Overcharging Taxpayers

1. Medicare Advantage Fraud Accountability Act: Bars companies from participating in the Medicare Advantage (MA) program if they have been convicted of defrauding the government. (one-pager)
2. Keep Medicare Costs Down Act: Requires MA companies to charge the government per beneficiary as much as, or less than, traditional Medicare, aiming to reduce unnecessary and wasteful government spending. (one-pager)
3. Seniors’ Choice and Clarity Act: Streamlines the process and improves clarity and choice for Medicare beneficiaries by limiting the number of plans that Medicare Advantage (MA) companies can offer to three a year, reinstating a 2019 CMS rule. (one-pager)

Strengthening Traditional Medicare

1. Protecting Medicare Choice Act: Prohibits Medicare Advantage from being redesignated as the default option for seniors, as proposed in Project 2025. (one-pager)
2. Find My Doctor Act: CMS must create a national, user-friendly website where people can search for doctors by plan, empowering Medicare beneficiaries to make informed decisions by searching whether their doctors participate in a plan before enrolling. (one-pager)

“Big Insurance has long pitched Medicare Advantage as a key tool to lowering health care costs and delivering better care, but like so much of their rhetoric, this is nothing but bold-faced lies. The truth is, Medicare Advantage is neither Medicare nor an advantage. And it certainly doesn’t exist to lower costs. It exists to help Big Insurance make sky-high profits and enrich shareholders. It is long past time Congress stepped in and protected patients. The legislative package Congressman Pocan is introducing is the most comprehensive plan ever introduced to rein in Medicare Advantage and protect patients. Congress should pass these bills without delay.” – Wendell Potter, President, The Center for Health and Democracy.

“Medicare Advantage insurers profit from withholding medically necessary care, and can withhold care with near impunity. So, people enrolling in corporate MA plans are forced to gamble with their health and with their lives. They can’t avoid the bad actors. It’s time Congress protected older Americans and people with disabilities from bad actor Medicare Advantage insurers, as Congressman Pocan’s MA Bill package would do.” – Diane Archer, President and Founder, JustCare.

“Corporate-run plans masquerading as Medicare are delaying and denying the care that people need, all while robbing taxpayers of trillions. Congressman Pocan’s package of reforms is desperately needed to hold these corporate plans accountable and strengthen Traditional Medicare. We urge Congress to swiftly pass them into law.” – Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works.

Full Package Cosponsors Include: Andre Carson (IN-07), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12)

Endorsing Organizations: Center for Health and Democracy, Just Care USA, Labor Campaign for Single Payer, Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), Public Citizen, Social Security Works

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced legislation to fully fund Brand USA, the nation’s public–private destination marketing organization, restoring its capacity to attract international visitors and strengthen the U.S. economy. The bill, titled the VISIT USA Act, would reinstate support through the full allocation of Visa Waiver Program Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fees, ensuring that Brand USA can continue its proven mission of promoting the United States as a premier global travel destination. Brand USA operates through a public–private partnership model, funded by nonfederal contributions from the travel and hospitality industry and matched by a portion of ESTA fees paid by international visitors—not by general taxpayer dollars.

“As Co-Chair of the Travel and Tourism Caucus in the House, I understand that tourism is a powerful engine for communities large and small. It supports local businesses, fills hotels, and brings in tax dollars that fund schools, transportation, and public services,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “Fully funding Brand USA is not just smart policy, it’s economic stewardship. Brand USA helps every corner of our country. When international travelers visit, they don’t just go to major cities—they travel to small towns, historic sites, and national parks. Fully funding Brand USA means supporting jobs and growth in communities across Florida and nationwide. Floridians understand that international tourism isn’t a luxury—it’s an economic necessity. By restoring full funding to Brand USA, we ensure more visitors come, more businesses benefit, and more communities thrive.”

“International tourism generates billions of dollars in economic activity and supports tens of thousands of jobs for hardworking Americans. In Florida, our economy benefits when visitors from around the world visit our beautiful state,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “Across the Tampa Bay area, international travel sustains good-paying jobs, supports our small businesses, strengthens our ports and airports. From our world-class beaches and cultural institutions to our vibrant food, sports, natural areas, international tourism powers our economy. A strong Brand USA means keeping Florida competitive, attracting new markets, and ensuring that the Sunshine State continues to shine on the world stage. This bipartisan bill will help restore vital marketing capacity, expand economic opportunity, and keep Tampa Bay and communities across America open and welcoming to travelers who contribute to our shared success. I thank my partner Rep. Bilirakis for leading the effort.”

 

International travel generates billions of dollars in economic activity, and Brand USA’s efforts deliver substantial returns. Its marketing campaigns attract visitors who spend heavily and support jobs not only in tourism, but across retail, hospitality, transportation, and other sectors. Independent research shows that Brand USA’s initiatives have supported tens of thousands of U.S. jobs annually and have generated significant federal, state, and local tax revenue. As other countries increase investments in destination marketing, fully funding Brand USA is essential to maintaining the United States’ competitive position in the global travel market. With major upcoming international events, this moment presents a critical opportunity to reignite international travel to the United States. Studies consistently demonstrate a strong return on investment, with Brand USA delivering multiple dollars in economic value for every dollar spent.

“This legislation is an important step forward, and we are grateful for Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Kathy Castor leading this effort,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.  “With the World Cup, America 250 and the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the U.S. has a pivotal chance to capture global attention. By restoring Brand USA’s resources, Congress can help drive new visitors, support jobs nationwide and ensure the United States stands out on the world stage.” 

Representatives Bilirakis and Castor are urging colleagues in both chambers of Congress to join them as co-sponsors. The legislation has the support of a wide coalition of travel, lodging, and hospitality industry stakeholders who view Brand USA as vital to sustaining international inbound travel. Fully restoring Brand USA’s funding will enable the organization to expand its global marketing efforts, drive future travel demand, and fuel economic growth nationwide.

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

November 19, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Addison McDowell (R-N.C.), alongside Senator Tedd Budd (R-N.C.), introduced today the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act. This bill would establish an interagency task force to investigate the influx of foreign robocalls and issue a report to Congress and the Trump administration on how best to eliminate the threat to vulnerable Americans. 
“Seniors face constant and malicious robocalls on a daily basis,” said Rep. Steube. “These sophisticated attacks pose a major risk to the personal safety and financial security of the American people. Congress cannot ignore this threat any longer. That is why I am joining with Senator Budd and Representative McDowell to introduce the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act to protect vulnerable Americans from these manipulative ploys and scams.”
“Targeted robocall scams hit millions of Americans every month, trying to steal Social Security numbers, bank information – anything they can use to take advantage of folks,” said Rep. McDowell. “Many of these calls originate overseas. America needs to stay ahead of these scams, crack down on these robocallers, and protect people from bad actors no matter where they originate.”
The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act serves as the House companion to legislation introduced by Senator Ted Budd. It also has the support of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and USTelecom. 
“Older Americans are disproportionately targeted by robocall scams, which often lead to financial loss, identity theft, and emotional distress. These calls not only exploit individuals but also erode trust in telecommunications systems and public institutions. The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act builds upon the TRACED Act and addresses this growing threat by convening a task force of government and private sector experts to develop actionable strategies for eliminating harmful foreign robocalls.” —Jennifer Jones, Vice President, Financial Security & Livable Communities, Government Affairs, AARP
“We applaud the bipartisan work of Rep. McDowell, Rep. Morrison, Rep. Steube, and Rep. Panetta to advance the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act. Their attention to and leadership on this issue demonstrate a deep commitment to protecting Americans from abuse of our communications networks.“The fight against scams and illegal robocalls requires sustained collaboration across government, law enforcement, and industry. The communications industry, including our Industry Traceback Group, is in this fight, and we remains committed to continuing these joint efforts to protect our networks, hold bad actors accountable, and safeguard consumers nationwide.” —Josh Bercu, Senior Vice President of Policy at USTelecom and Executive Director of the Industry Traceback Group
Background: The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act establishes an interagency task force consisting of representatives from relevant federal agencies and the private sector. This task force will advise both Congress and the Trump administration on strategies to mitigate the risk of foreign robocalls to American citizens and interests. It also extends the Industry Traceback Group’s (ITG) renewal period by an additional two years along with additional powers to aggressively pursue illegal robocallers. Finally, it grants the FCC the new authority to penalize fraudulent providers that are in violation of the Robocall Mitigation Database. 
Read the full bill text here.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

November 19, 2025, marks the 26th anniversary of National Geographic Information System (GIS) Day
Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) and Jay Obernolte (CA-23) introduced a resolution officially designating November 19, 2025 as National Geographic Information System (GIS) Day. As GIS users around the world showcase their work, the resolution encourages GIS users to continue innovating and utilizing GIS as a tool to help drive economic growth and foster a more informed and connected world.
“From navigation to natural disaster response planning to so much more, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) help keep our communities safe and well-connected,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I applaud the important and innovative work of GIS professionals and their role in boosting our economy and improving the quality of life for countless people with this technology. I am proud to introduce this resolution alongside Rep. Obernolte in honor of National GIS Day and to recognize the incredible impact of this essential technology.”
“Geographic Information Systems are essential tools that help us better understand our communities, strengthen public safety, support infrastructure planning, and drive economic growth,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte. “Here in California’s 23rd District, we see that impact firsthand through Esri, which provides high-quality jobs and supports our local innovation economy. I’m proud to recognize National GIS Day and celebrate the educators, technologists, and students whose work ensures America continues to lead the world in geospatial innovation.”
“I want to commend Representatives Aguilar and Obernolte for introducing the House resolution honoring GIS Day 2025,” said Jack Dangermond, President, Esri. “This annual event celebrates the importance of geographic information systems (GIS) technologies, which are having an ever-increasing impact on all sectors. These tools play a crucial role in operations at every level of government and help nonprofits, educational institutions, and the private sector with geospatial analysis of a wide range of questions and issues. GIS systems are driving significant economic growth and are integrating with AI-enabled tools to better help us solve problems. Happy GIS Day to all!”
“On behalf of the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), I applaud Representatives Aguilar and Obernolte for introducing the GIS Day resolution,” said Linda Foster, PLS, GISP, MGIS, NSPS President. “As partners and stewards of the critical geospatial infrastructure that underpins our country, the land surveying and GIS communities continue to respond to natural disasters, manage land and resources, and advance our nation’s infrastructure for the benefit of society. GIS Day is more than a celebration – it’s a recognition of essential work that ensures our communities thrive.”
“New and exciting applications of geospatial data, services, and technology portrayed, visualized, and accessed in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are brought to the market for the benefit of individual citizens, government at all levels, and private enterprise every day,” said John Palatiello, President and Founder, U.S. Geospatial Executives Organization (U.S. GEO). “And Congress is increasingly recognizing the value of ‘where’ in legislation. GIS Day is a time to recognize how billions of dollars in business activity, the creation and support of tens of thousands of jobs,  economic growth and development, protection of the environment, and many of other important activities are supported by GIS. We commend Representatives Aguilar and Obernolte for introducing the GIS Day resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.”
“The GPS Innovation Alliance applauds Reps. Aguilar and Obernolte for introducing the GIS Day Resolution,” said Lisa Dyer, Executive Director, GPS Innovation Alliance. “Geographic Information Systems and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Systems such as the Global Positioning System and complementary space-based PNT systems work hand-in-hand to deliver lifesaving information that also brings important economic, and national security benefits to the nation. Discovering and mining Rare Earth minerals, building and repairing infrastructure, ensuring first responders arrive at emergencies quickly and efficiently, and mapping boundaries between neighborhoods and districts are just of the few essential applications that rely on GIS and PNT. We appreciate Representatives Aguilar and Obernolte’s initiative to highlight this important technology in the U.S. House of Representatives.” 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

18 November 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Rep. Barragán’s Introduces the HEAL A.I. Act to Encourage Further Development of A.I. Literacy for Medical Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) introduced the Healthcare Education in AI Literacy (HEAL A.I.) Act, a bill that would establish a grant program for medical schools to create or continue the development of curriculums in literacy for artificial intelligence.

AI can advance health care through its abilities to strengthen diagnostic capabilities, streamline clinical operations, and automate routine tasks such as scheduling and patient documentation. It can also enable providers to dedicate more time to patient care while improving efficiency and accuracy across both research and clinical practices.

To fully embrace the opportunities this technology provides, medical professionals and the upcoming workforce must be prepared to leverage the many benefits of AI. This bill will give medical schools and residency-sponsoring institutions the resources for students and residents to gain hands-on experience with AI tools in health professions, so that they can understand how to optimize A.I.’s ability to improve patient care, streamline workflows, and enhance decision-making before entering the workforce.

“AI can transform the care that millions of Americans receive,” said Rep. Barragán. “With the rapid developments in AI technology, we now have the capability to do more, provide better care, and close the health care disparities that we often see in our underserved and minority communities. But that also means that our next generation of doctors and providers must be knowledgeable in how to best use this technology. This bill will help provide that space to train our next generation of health care providers to give the best care possible for working Americans.”

“The National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) supports the Healthcare Education in AI Literacy (HEAL-AI) Act, which prepares future physicians to use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly in patient care. This bill ensures that AI training is grounded in ethics, equity, and transparency, which are important principles for reducing disparities in health outcomes. By prioritizing schools that serve Latino and other underrepresented communities, the HEAL-AI Act will help build a physician workforce ready to deliver innovative and equitable care,” said the National Hispanic Medical Association.

Specifically, the bill creates a grant program at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the Department of Health and Human Services for the education and training of medical students, medical residents, and medical faculty in the deployment of artificial intelligence. 

• The bill authorizes $1,000,000 per year from FY 2026 to FY 2030, with the maximum grant amount to be given to a medical school capped at $100,000 annually.
• The bill also requires schools that receive the grant to publicly report how AI education and training were integrated into existing school curricula, the number of learners that enrolled and successfully completed at least one course funded by the grant funds, and to list any organization the school may have collaborated with to carry out the programming made possible by the grant.

Supporting Organizations: National Hispanic Medical Association

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Ted Lieu (CA-36).

To view the full bill text, click HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore met with a delegation of senior members of the Nigerian government, led by Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser to the President of Nigeria, during the delegation’s visit to Washington, D.C. The meeting allowed for a frank, honest, and productive discussion about the ongoing persecution of Christians and ongoing terrorist threats in Nigeria and opportunities for strengthened cooperation and coordination between the United States and Nigeria to end the bloodshed.

During the meeting, Nigerian officials shared their government’s challenges and concerns regarding counterterrorism, security assistance, protection of vulnerable communities, and ongoing issues involving violence across Nigeria.

Congressman Moore clearly stated that the United States stands ready to coordinate and cooperate with Nigeria, and that, as President Trump made abundantly clear, the United States will not tolerate continued violence against Christians or other forms of religious persecution. President Trump does not make idle threats. Congressman Moore will continue monitoring new developments and pushing the Nigerian government to accept the open hand of cooperation to stop the ongoing persecution and violence against Christians and combat the threat terrorist groups pose to the Nigerian population.

Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

“Today, I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria. I made it crystal clear that the United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to help their nation combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants against their population, specifically Christians in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria. The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States. President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria. I urge the Nigerians to work with us in cooperation and coordination on this critical issue.”

The delegation included:

1. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu – NSA and Leader of the Delegation

2. Her Excellency, Bianca Ojukwu – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs 

3. Mr. Kayode Egbetokun – Inspector General of Police

4. Chief Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi, SAN – Attorney General of the Federation

5. General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede – Chief of Defence Staff

6. Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence

7. Ms. Idayat Hassan – Special Adviser to ONSA

8. Ambassador Ibrahim Babani – Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA

9. Ambassador Nuru Biu – Acting CDA, Embassy of Nigeria

10. Paul Alabi – Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria

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

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today heralded the approval of his legislation, H.R. 1355, the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act, out of the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Energy today. Tonko’s bipartisan legislation invests in home weatherization efforts to save low-income families hundreds of dollars on their energy bills while making homes safer, healthier, and more energy efficient.

Tonko spoke in support of his legislation ahead of its advance out of committee by voice vote. His full remarks as prepared for delivery can be read below. His remarks delivered during today’s markup can be viewed HERE:

Weatherization works.

I mentioned earlier that the average household saves $372 on their energy bills each year after receiving services from DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program.

This doesn’t even account for the health and safety benefits that come from being in a more livable home.

When a family goes through this program, it can be life changing. The low-income households that are eligible for the program spend about 14% of their income on energy costs, compared to 3% for other households.

But despite the program’s effectiveness, we know it can be improved.

First, the program’s authorization expired in September.

It was last reauthorized with strong bipartisan support in the Energy Act of 2020, which was signed into law by President Trump.

H.R. 1355 would reauthorize the Weatherization Assistance Program through Fiscal Year 2030.

Second, the program includes a limitation on how much assistance each home can receive, known as the Average Cost Per Unit.

This limit must not only cover the costs of materials, but labor as well.

Statutorily, the limit was set at $6,500 for 2010. It currently stands at about $8,500, and it can be increased annually based on the Consumer Price Index, up to 3%.

Unfortunately, inflation over the past several years has outpaced the program, and that is especially true for the cost of building materials.

This means each home receives fewer services, and there is downward pressure on wages for weatherization crews, making it harder to recruit and retain talent to carry out this work.

Raising the Average Cost Per Unit is a small adjustment that will benefit the long-term health of the program as well as the individual households receiving these services.

H.R. 1355 would re-set the ACPU to $12,000.

Finally, this bill would authorize the Weatherization Readiness Fund, an existing program at DOE that complements traditional weatherization.

In many states, more than 20% of eligible homes cannot receive weatherization because they are in such poor condition.

The Readiness Fund was established to overcome these health and safety issues to get more homes into the weatherization pipeline.

They may have a bad roof, mold, or any number of problems that would render weatherization ineffective or make it unsafe for a crew to work in that home.

I heard one story of a home needing to deal with a snake infestation in an attic before it could be insulated.

There are real barriers that prevent people from receiving weatherization, and the Readiness Fund has proven to work to lower those barriers.

The House Republicans’ Energy and Water Appropriations bill continues to fund the Readiness Program. If funding is going to continue, I think that we, as the Committee of jurisdiction, should actually authorize it.

Mr. Chairman, I understand there is still some work to do to reach agreement on a version of the bill that can be supported by everyone, and I appreciate the opportunity to continue those discussions.