Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Sam Graves (R-MO), and Don Davis (D-NC) in reintroducing the bipartisan Fair Access in Residency (FAIR) Act. This legislation seeks to ensure that taxpayer-funded physician residency training programs provide equal opportunities for both Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) and Medical Doctors (MDs).

Click here for bill text.

“It is imperative that there is full transparency for all federally funded graduate medical education to provide an accurate record of who is getting selected for residency programs. The Fair Access in Residency (FAIR) Act will improve reporting requirements and ensure that osteopathic medical students are treated fairly when applying for residency slots. The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine enrolls more than 800 students, and the FAIR Act will make certain they are treated fairly when applying to residency programs,” said Congresswoman Miller. 

“I represent a very rural part of Tennessee that’s already facing physician shortages. There’s no reason to continue practices that keep qualified doctors from serving the communities that need them most. That’s why I’m proud to lead the reintroduction of this legislation. Congress must ensure our taxpayer-funded residency programs are tapping into the full pipeline of talent — both DOs and MDs — without discrimination. The FAIR Act promotes transparency and fairness in GME, with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of trained physicians ready to care for our communities,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger.

“As president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, I am thrilled to see the Fair Access in Residency (FAIR) Act introduced for the 119th Congress. Ensuring all medical students have equal access to residency programs is key to solving physician workforce shortages and getting more physicians in all Congressional Districts. The FAIR Act addresses inequalities in residency consideration and ensures that osteopathic students have access to residency slots in all medical specialties. On behalf of WVSOM and osteopathic medical students nationwide, I thank Congresswoman Miller for sponsoring and working on the passage of the FAIR Act,” said James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., President of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

“Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) are essential to the physician workforce, particularly in rural and underserved communities, yet unnecessary barriers exist that limit their access to residency opportunities. That’s why the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) supports the FAIR Act, which would increase transparency, address physician shortages, and ensure a more equitable residency selection process. We commend Representatives Harshbarger, Pingree, Graves, Miller, and Davis for their leadership in advancing policies that support rural providers and urge Congress to act on this critical legislation,” said Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association.

“As our nation grapples with a worsening physician shortage, we must eliminate unnecessary barriers that prevent highly qualified osteopathic medical students from accessing residency opportunities,” said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “The FAIR Act provides a commonsense solution to longstanding inequities in the residency selection process—without federalizing medical education, imposing quotas, or regulating the makeup of residency programs. We are deeply grateful to Representatives Harshbarger, Pingree, Graves, Miller, and Davis for their leadership in advancing a fairer, more transparent system.

Background:

• The bill addresses disparities and barriers within Medicare-funded Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs that often exclude or impose undue burdens on DOs.
• The FAIR Act would require federally funded GME programs to report annually the number of residency applicants from both osteopathic (DO) and allopathic (MD) medical schools, and how many were accepted from each. It would also affirm annually that they accept applications from both DO and MD schools and that, if an exam score is required, both COMLEX-USA (DO) and USMLE (MD) licensing exams are accepted.
• Programs that fail to report this information would be subject to a 2% annual reduction in their Indirect Medical Education (IME) payments.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Emmer (6th District of Minnesota)

Emmer’s Bill to Defend Minnesotans’ Second Amendment Rights Passes Committee Markup | Press Releases | Congressman Tom Emmer

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

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and House Natural Resources Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02), joined by 30 other Democratic House members, sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum condemning the Trump administration’s decision to disband the Federal Advisory Committee for Science Quality and Integrity (FACSQI) and slash over 240 positions at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 

The lawmakers are demanding answers and calling for swift action to protect the integrity, independence, and capacity of USGS science.

“USGS data and research have served as a cornerstone of national preparedness and environmental stewardship,” Tonko and his colleagues write. “The elimination of FACSQI and the loss of over 240 positions puts that legacy at serious risk.” 

The advisory committee was specifically established to strengthen oversight, prevent political interference, and safeguard scientific integrity at USGS. Its abrupt termination strips away essential safeguards, leaving the agency more vulnerable to compromised research standards. 

“This decision is part of a broader, troubling pattern at the Department of the Interior, which has also dismantled advisory panels on climate adaptation, conservation, and even the review of racially insensitive place names. Interior officials claim these cuts ‘streamline operations’ and ‘reduce redundancies,’ but in reality, they weaken the government’s scientific capacity, erode public trust, and leave communities more vulnerable to environmental and natural hazards.” 

The letter also warns that the loss of 240 USGS positions will further diminish the agency’s ability to: 

• Provide real-time earthquake and hazard monitoring. 

• Conduct essential groundwater and water quality assessments. 

• Maintain geologic mapping crucial for disaster preparedness. 

• Ensure sustainable management of mineral and energy resources critical to national security. 

• Support public lands conservation and outdoor recreation. 

• Build the strong domestic STEM workforce necessary for American innovation and competitiveness. 

 

Former FACSQI members and scientific experts are also voicing strong opposition to the Trump administration’s efforts to disband the FACSQI: 

“The Trump administration’s decision to disband a USGS committee dedicated to strengthening scientific quality and integrity is a serious misstep that undermines our commitment to excellence in research. Scientific quality and integrity processes ensure that sound science informs critical decisions that impact the health and safety of the public and our environment” said Dr. Jacob Carter, former federal scientist and former member of USGS’s advisory committee. “Without the work of this committee, I fear that scientific integrity violations and cases of scientific misconduct will increase at the USGS, putting people’s health and safety at risk. As a former federal scientist and member of USGS’s advisory committee on science quality and integrity, I am grateful for the work of Representatives Tonko and Huffman in advocating for strong science and scientific integrity across our government.”  

Dr. Stephanie L. Shepherd, Associate Chair of the Department of Geosciences at Auburn University, said: “The members of the FACQSI were from academia, industry, non-government organizations, and government. We represent the many stakeholders who utilized and benefit from the critical scientific data produced by USGS programs. We were also enthusiastic about the opportunity to share our knowledge and experiences in support of the USGS mission. The USGS should be commended for proactively working to enhance scientific quality and integrity. Eliminating this committee along with the drastic reduction in USGS staff will have the opposite effect.”   

“The U.S. Department of the Interior’s decision to eliminate this committee is short-sighted, dangerous and shows yet again that the Trump administration has no regard for the safety of people living in the United States,” said Dr. Jennifer Jones, director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. “The Federal Advisory Committee for Science Quality and Integrity at the U.S. Geological Survey was created to prevent political interference in the scientific process and ensure the reliability of data used for earthquake and hazard monitoring, groundwater and water quality assessments, sustainable management of mineral and energy resources, and protection of public lands for conservation and recreation. Independent science is critical for public and environmental health. Scientific Integrity ensures that the best available science can inform policy and creates systems of accountability to ensure that science works for the people. Without the oversight provided by the committee, there is a greater chance that public science will be manipulated and distorted. Maintaining integrity within the U.S. Geological Survey is crucial to ensuring the accuracy of data people in the U.S. depend on for safety, environmental protection and disaster preparedness. The American people deserve transparent, independent science.” 

 

The full letter can be read HERE and below: 

The Honorable Doug Burgum  

Secretary of Interior 

U.S. Department of Interior 

1849 C Street NW 

Washington, D.C. 20240 

Dear Secretary Burgum: 

We write to express deep concern over the abrupt elimination of the Federal Advisory Committee for Science Quality and Integrity (FACSQI) and broader workforce reductions at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).  These decisions undermine the agency’s ability to uphold scientific integrity, provide reliable data, and fulfill its critical mission to protect public safety, natural resources, and environmental health. 

The Advisory Committee for Science Quality and Integrity was established to provide independent guidance to the USGS Director on scientific integrity, research oversight, and data reliability. It was poised to play a vital role in: 

• Scientific Integrity – Enhancing policies to uphold ethical research practices, safeguard against misconduct and prevent political interference.  

• Laboratory Oversight – Strengthening quality control measures to maintain rigorous scientific standards.  

• STEM & Workforce Development – Cultivating the next generation of scientists through education and mentorship.  

• Tribal Partnerships & Research Advancement – Expanding collaboration with Indigenous communities and other key research partners. 

The committee was created, in part, to address systemic failures identified by the Inspector General in a 2024 report, including serious lapses in laboratory oversight and scientific integrity. A notable example of this occurred at the National Water Quality Laboratory in Colorado, where quality control values were falsified. This incident was driven by pressures on analysts, compounded by heavy workloads and a lack of adequate oversight and support. FACSQI was designed to provide the necessary external oversight to prevent such failures and protect our drinking water testing—yet its elimination removes these essential safeguards, increasing risks to public health and safety.  

This decision is part of a broader, troubling pattern at the Department of the Interior, which has also dismantled advisory panels on climate adaptation, conservation, and even the review of racially insensitive place names. Interior officials claim these cuts “streamline operations” and “reduce redundancies,” but in reality, they weaken the government’s scientific capacity, erode public trust, and leave communities more vulnerable to environmental and natural hazards. 

The damage extends beyond FACQSI’s elimination. The loss of 240 USGS positions further weakens the agency’s ability to effectively: 

• Provide real-time earthquake and hazard monitoring. 

• Conduct essential groundwater and water quality assessments. 

• Maintain geologic mapping crucial for disaster preparedness. 

• Ensure sustainable management of mineral and energy resources critical to national security. 

• Support public lands conservation and outdoor recreation. 

• Build the strong domestic STEM workforce necessary for American innovation and competitiveness.

Given these concerns, we request responses to the following questions by April 8th, 2025:

     1. How will USGS ensure scientific integrity without the advisory committee? 

     2. What steps is USGS taking to address challenges identified in the 2024 Inspector General report? 

     3. How will USGS maintain its ability to monitor natural hazards, water resources, and environmental changes given current staffing reductions? 

     4. What alternative mechanisms will be implemented to ensure independent scientific review and accountability? 

     5. How will USGS continue to support STEM workforce development and youth engagement? 

     6. How will USGS, as the primary source of information on domestic critical minerals supply chains, maintain up-to-date information on American geological resources? 

     7. What steps is USGS taking to ensure continued public access to its data, widely used for safety, outdoor recreation, resource management, and scientific advancements? 

     8. What steps is USGS taking to ensure continued protection of sensitive data, including proprietary information from industry surveys and sovereign tribal data on special and sacred sites? 

USGS data and research have served as a cornerstone of national preparedness and environmental stewardship. The elimination of FACSQI and the loss of over 240 positions puts that legacy at serious risk. We expect a full explanation for these decisions and a clear plan for preserving the integrity, independence and capacity of USGS science moving forward. The American public, policymakers, and the scientific community deserve nothing less. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

The devastating wildfires in California serve as a reminder that we must change course and implement sound forest management practices to help prevent future catastrophic wildfires. This week, I was proud of the strong bipartisan support for the Fix Our Forests Act, a bill I introduced that passed the House by a vote of 279-141. 

As a forester, advocating for better forest management is a passion. This bill is an excellent first step at allowing better forest management practices on the ground not only in Arkansas, but across the hundreds of millions of federal forests across the United States, and with Senate passage, it can be a huge win for those living in communities who rely on the forest products industry to provide for their families and millions of others who constantly face the dangers of wildfires. This commonsense, bipartisan bill will restore forest health, increase resiliency, and help protect communities located in the wildland urban interfaces. Americans have been blessed with amazing forests, and it is our duty to be good stewards of our resources so we can pass our blessings to the next generations. The Fix Our Forests Act can be the catalyst of better forest management which will result in the prevention and mitigation of uncontrollable wildfires. 

Through misguided policies that have resulted in a hands-off approach to forest thinning combined with suppressing low-intensity fire for over a century, we are loving our trees to death. America’s forests are in a crisis. Healthy forests have a balance of vegetation that can be supported by the available light, water, and nutrients on a given site. America’s federal forests have become dangerously overstocked with vegetation. The lack of light, water, and nutrients will kill some trees while the remaining living, stressed trees, and even healthy trees are often attacked by insects and disease. The result is dead material that turns into fuel. When a catastrophic fire happens, nature essentially clear cuts the forests… killing, and oftentimes, removing all vegetation.  We see the dramatic results of entire neighborhoods being leveled and the loss of human lives, but there are also devastating impacts on air quality, water quality, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation opportunities that will take decades to restore.

Traveling across our great nation and seeing our beautiful forests firsthand serves as further inspiration to conserve our abundant natural resources. Now is the time for the whole Congress and the White House to act to protect the priceless resource that is our nation’s forests by making the Fix Our Forests Act law.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

To many, forestry is simply viewed as the trees planted in someone’s backyard, shade during an outdoor activity, or nature’s greatest indicator of the changing of the seasons. But for Arkansans, forestry is a way of life. As the heart of America’s woodbasket, Arkansas is covered by 19 million acres of forestland that provides not only scenic beauty, clean air and water, wildlife habitats, and opportunities for outdoor recreation, but is also a major economic driver. Tens of thousands of hard-working Arkansans depend on a thriving forestry industry, and in turn good forestry management, to provide for their families.

Over the course of the past two weeks, the nation has been heartbroken to see the devastation in the wake of the California wildfires. My thoughts have been with those who have lost homes and even loved ones due to the horrific fires across southern California. This catastrophic natural disaster can only bring us to reflect on our own state’s response to forest management practices. Healthy forests have direct impacts not only on wildfire prevention, but air quality, carbon emission reduction, water quality, and even wildlife management. In many ways Arkansas leads the nation for forest management of our federal lands – and while the Natural State could always improve our forest management practices, it is exciting that our great state leads the charge on efforts to become better stewards of our land.

None of us are immune to the dangers of wildfires – most notably due to the imbalance of forest growth and removal ratios. With all the unmanaged forests on our federal lands, dense, overgrown forest stands are the perfect kindling needed to stoke dangerous fires that can threaten communities near wildland urban interfaces. 

Our biggest issue across the country is that, while we love our trees and forests, we are loving them to death. For decades many federal forests have been mismanaged by good intentions, but as we have seen, these good intentions can lead to a fiery inferno where neither forests, wildlife, or humans benefit. It might seem to be a naturally good idea for humans to take a hands-off approach and let nature manage our forests, but nature can be violent… especially when that good idea gets paired with what seems natural to exclude all fire from the landscape since after all, fire causes wildfires. Broadly speaking, forest scientists have demonstrated that thinned forests where the volume of trees per acre is maintained through thinning and controlled burning are more resilient and healthier than overstocked forests that are stressed by competition for light, water, and nutrients. Resiliency means that trees can better withstand insect and disease attacks as well as fire, and especially when the fire is low intensity and on a more regular basis.

From the giant Sequoias, Redwoods, and firs on the Pacific coast, to the aspen, larch, and pines of the intermountain region, to the cottonwoods, oaks, and pines stretching across the mid-west and the south on up to the beautiful maple trees in the northeast, our nation’s forests are undoubtedly valued and beautiful. Our natural response may be to leave the trees to themselves to better protect them. But when we realize that the best way to maintain a healthy environment for these beloved trees comes from us being actively involved as good stewards working with nature, we will see an abundance of healthy and resilient forests providing clean air, clean water, better wildlife habitat, and safer communities. 

As a licensed forester serving in Congress, spreading the good news about forests to colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop sound forest management practices across the country is a passion. Many of these practices were learned firsthand in the great state of Arkansas. This is one reason it is exciting to reintroduce the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act this week, as Congress looks for ways to prevent further loss and devastation due to wildfires. As we bring this legislation to the House Floor, my prayers are most certainly with the folks of southern California as they face tremendous loss and damage to the beloved land they call home. My hope is that policy in the Fix Our Forests Act will prevent other Americans from having to endure such a tragedy in the future.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

After four years of countless blows to American energy production, the Biden administration has once again proven that they have no interest in putting our country and our national security first. A midnight ruling proved that this administration has no desire to work toward American energy dominance as a ban on oil and gas production in more than 600 million acres of federal waters was announced earlier this week. 

America will always need the oil and gas industry. Yet the Biden administration has continually relied on our adversaries to provide energy – not domestic producers. At the end of the day, this is not just sending our adversaries American dollars for the goods they provide, but ultimately handing them full control over the safety of our economy and well-being. 

The reckless decision in the early days of the Biden administration to cancel the Keystone XL Pipeline permit and oil and gas leasing on federal lands was especially disastrous to the hardworking Americans who found themselves immediately out of a job and the means to provide for their families. Our nation was also shortchanged by the deprivation of a major investment which could have proven to boost the American economy exponentially. It’s unfortunate that once again, a similar decision was made with a single stroke of a pen at the expense of the American people. 

Energy security is national security, and when we have the ability to produce our own energy right here in or backyard, create thousands of jobs for Americans, and take back the control we have so thoughtlessly handed to countries like Russia and China, we are giving the American people a win and ensuring our dominance in the energy sector across the globe.

That’s why, as Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, I sent a letter to President Biden and Secretary of the Interior, Debra Haaland, to strongly condemn this decision which betrays decades of progress, abandoning hard working Americans who rely on offshore energy development for their livelihoods in the process. In my letter, I remind President Biden and Secretary Haaland that history will remember this decision not as a triumph of conservation, but as a retreat to radicalism – a misguided attempt to cement a legacy of obstruction at the expense of America’s energy security.

I have made it a top priority as we enter the 119th Congress to fight for America-first energy production and reverse Biden’s reckless and unsustainable policies, and I intend to do so until America is once again the global leader in energy production.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Serving friends and neighbors across the Fourth District of Arkansas in the halls of Congress through drafting and voting on legislation is a great honor, and certainly a major role that Members of Congress play as elected officials. However, there is an equally important role to play while elected to such a position: taking care of the needs of the people represented back home in their everyday lives, through casework and other needed assistance. 

The impacts of Federal issues such as Social Security matters, Veterans’ affairs, passports, and more don’t take a break for the legislative process in Washington D.C. This is why there are offices spanning the Fourth District staffed with caseworkers who stand ready to help with any questions or tackle any issues constituents may face. No matter what your federal issue may be, these caseworkers are experts in their area, and all constituents are encouraged to seek them out for assistance.

Throughout the months of January and February, our district offices will be hosting casework-specific office hours directly related to Veterans’ affairs, Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, citizenship and immigration services, and passports. Every week, representatives will be visiting each district office, including a location in Texarkana, to help constituents directly with their specific needs as they relate to the issue areas previously mentioned. You can find information on the dates and times of these locations at Westerman.house.gov.

I cannot express enough that representing the Fourth District of Arkansas – friends, family, and neighbors – is the honor of a lifetime. Because it truly is. Taking care of constituents is a responsibility not taken lightly, and it is encouraging to know that representatives across the Fourth District are well-equipped to serve and assist in any way possible. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

It’s impossible to enter the holiday season, and ultimately the end of the year, without pausing to reflect on the trials and triumphs throughout the past twelve months. Constituents across the Fourth District have felt the weight of increasing gas prices, grocery and electric bills, the impacts of natural disasters, and continued federal overreach. Many of you can agree that while there were definite moments of uncertainty, our nation, and the American people, charged forward with strength and a resiliency that can only be defined as the American Spirit.

Addressing issues heard from constituents, I introduced several pieces of legislation this year directly impacting Arkansas and the Fourth District. A notable piece of legislation introduced was the Focus on Learning Act, which tackles the epidemic of cell phones in schools by requiring the U.S. Department of Education to complete a study on the impacts of cell phone use among students from kindergarten to twelfth grade and authorize a grant program to provide funding to provide students with secure containers to store their cell phones during school hours. It’s no surprise that the increased use of technology and social media among young people has deeply impacted their ability to learn and perform well in school, and we must implement the structures that are necessary to set our students up well for success.

As the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, several bills were introduced that directly affect the Natural State and the country. As a forester, it was especially exciting to introduce the Fix our Forests Act, bipartisan legislation that ultimately passed the House to restore forest health and provide better protection and resources for communities by expediting environmental analyses, among many other action items. I also  introduced the EXPLORE Act, which passed both the House and the Senate. While this bill benefits all of America, the Fourth District was impacted by a provision to safely reopen the campgrounds at the Albert Pike Recreation Area in the Ouachita National Forest. Fishing, hunting, and camping are all favorite pastimes, and it is encouraging to legislation passed that positively impacts outdoor recreation opportunities for generations to come.

Americans, especially those in rural areas like the Fourth District, are in desperate need for commonsense health care legislation. I recently introduced the Fair Care Act of 2024  to tackle the issue of a convoluted health care system and provide greater transparency for medical bills, medical insurance, and more options for Americans. This legislation provides the opportunity for Americans with pre-existing conditions to access affordable healthcare and prescription drug costs in addition to easy health care via telehealth access. 

For more information on legislation I have sponsored or cosponsored, you can visit Congress.gov to search for all legislation from this Congress and previous Congresses. 

While we passed many bills to benefit the American people this year, House Republicans still have a job to do. With a Republican-controlled House, Senate, and White House, we are well-positioned to provide needed relief for Americans and Arkansans alike. It is such a high honor to continue representing the Fourth District of Arkansas, which is why conservative policies and America-first ideals will be top of mind as we head into the new year and the new Congress.

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

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar issued a report to Inland Empire residents outlining how he fought for them over the course of 2024. Rep. Aguilar prioritized securing resources for the region, creating jobs, lowering costs and promoting economic opportunity.
“As we come to the end of 2024 and the 118th Congress, I am proud to share how I’ve fought to deliver for the hardworking people of the Inland Empire,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “This year, I’ve focused on fighting for solutions that make life better for our community by pushing to lower costs, make health care more accessible and boost our economy. I am honored to serve the people of the Inland Empire in Congress and I am committed to keep working for our region in 2025.”
During 2024, Rep. Aguilar delivered for the Inland Empire by:

Helping 596 Inland Empire residents resolve outstanding issues with federal agencies, such as accessing the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Returning nearly $11 million the federal government owed to residents by federal agencies, including IRS refunds, veterans’ benefits and Social Security payments.
Announcing nearly $170 million in direct federal funding for the Inland Empire, including funding for local police and fire departments, infrastructure projects, affordable housing services, school districts and health care programs. Specifically, this includes:

$3,000,000 for the City of Highland’s SR-210 at 5th Street Interchange Improvements to support improvements at the State Route 210 and 5th Street interchange to improve traffic flow. 
$2,600,000 for the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino’s Arrowhead Grove Community Resource Center to establish a community resource center focused on health, wellness, housing stability services and economic self-sufficiency for residents of Arrowhead Grove, San Bernardino County and Inland Empire Health Plan members.    
$1,666,279 for the Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services’ Affordable Housing Development and Preservation Program to support the preservation of an existing affordable housing multi-family unit in the City of San Bernardino
$1,000,000 for the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to support the deployment of an Advanced Traffic Management System to be responsive to real-time traffic patterns and natural disasters
$1,000,000 for the San Bernardino County’s Glen Helen Regional Park Playground Expansion to rehabilitate and greatly improve a children’s play area, addressing equipment safety concerns and the structural integrity of the playground and enhancing the recreational and aesthetic experience for visitors and residents.
$963,000 for the City of San Bernardino’s Safety Camera Project to support law enforcement in their efforts to reduce violent crime by installing safety cameras that include data analytics that can be used to monitor activity and assist with investigations.
$963,000 for California State University, San Bernardino’s Tech and Workforce Hub Project to upgrade technology where students, university faculty, community college faculty and employers will be trained on cybersecurity projects.
$959,757 for the West Valley Water District’s Bunker Hills Wells Project to support the drilling and equipping of two new groundwater production wells, storage tank, booster pump station and pipelines to transport the needed water supply to water management agencies within the Upper Santa Ana River Watershed.
$959,757 for San Bernardino County’s Arrowhead Farms project to connect 257 residential properties in the unincorporated community of Arrowhead Farms to city sewer lines. 
$875,424 for the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council’s Skyland Ranch Project to make facility improvements at Skyland Ranch Camp, which hosts outdoor and environmental education programming for Girl Scouts and co-ed schools in the region.
$850,000 for the Omnitrans’ Battery Electric Buses and Design of On-Route Charging Infrastructure to purchase three new zero-emission electric buses and on-route charging stations for San Bernardino’s fleet to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public transit. 
$850,000 for the City of Rialto’s I-10/Riverside Avenue Freight Improvement Project to support critical improvements along Riverside Avenue, including extending northbound left-turn lanes and adding continuous sidewalks. These upgrades will ease traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety, benefiting both local commuters and the flow of freight in and out of the region.
$850,000 for the City of San Bernardino to renovate and restore the Nicholson Community Center to include access to health care, a food pantry, after-school programs and access to substance abuse prevention and mental health programs.
$500,000 for the Blessing Center’s Hannah’s Village to make improvements to the center’s current transitional housing program that serves at-risk women and children in our community, constructing 26 additional living spaces for up to 30 new mothers and nearly 70 homeless children.
$525,000 for the West Valley Water District Emergency Generator Project to enhance water reliability during emergency situations. The project will keep WVWD’s pump stations and wells operating during power outages.

Throughout the past year, Rep. Aguilar fought for legislation to help San Bernardino County families by:

Passing the Dr. Margaret B. Hill Post Office Bill and getting it signed into law. This bill will rename the Del Rosa Post Office to honor the late Dr. Margaret B. Hill, a beloved educator and community advocate who passed away in December 2021. 
Creating the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services program at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is based on Rep. Aguilar’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Expansion Act. This program will allow the FAA to provide technical assistance and training to DBEs competing for FAA grants. 
Passing the University Centers for Growth, Development, Prosperity (GDP) Act under the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This bill requires the EDA to create a University Center at an Institute of Higher Education in every state.
Introducing the Affordable Housing Resident Services Act, which would provide funding to owners of affordable housing properties to offer supportive services for their residents.
Introducing the bipartisan National GIS Day Resolution to designate November 20, 2024, as National GIS Day and encourage the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to drive economic growth.
Securing $2.5 million for the Affordable Housing and Supportive Services Demonstration program that Rep. Aguilar helped create in 2023. This program provides funding to owners of affordable housing properties to support their residents, including after-school programs for children and teenagers; education opportunities for youth and adult residents; mental health, alcohol and addiction treatment; self-sufficiency resources; resources on future home ownership; financial literacy training; elderly care; assistance to residents with disabilities; and other community services.
Securing the following wins in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA):

New study authorization focused on Flood Risk Management for the Rialto Flood Control Channel, which will finish the last unimproved portion of the channel from Sycamore Avenue just south of the I-10 freeway and continue further southward to the Santa Ana River. Improvements include the construction of 1.8 miles of a reinforced concrete channel. 
New study authorization focused on Flood Risk Management for San Bernardino’s Del Rosa Flood Control Channel. The County plans to make substantial improvements to 2.5 miles of the existing flood control channel along Del Rosa Avenue from Pacific Street to Daley Basin. This expansion project would upgrade the interim earthen channel by constructing the ultimate rectangular concrete channel and increasing the flow capacity of undersized box culvert street crossings. 
$20 million in Environmental Infrastructure (EI) authority for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, for Bloomington.
$20 million in Environmental Infrastructure (EI) authority for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, for Colton.
$10 million in Environmental Infrastructure (EI) authority for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, for Grand Terrace.

Hosting Federal Agency Officials in the District:

Hosted U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to highlight the investments Congressman Aguilar secured to make health care more affordable and equitable in the Inland Empire.
Hosted Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabel Guzman to highlight small businesses in the Inland Empire. Rep. Aguilar and Administrator Guzman also hosted a roundtable, where they heard directly from local small business owners about the issues impacting them and their employees.
Hosted U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo at Eisenhower High School where Rep. Aguilar and Deputy Secretary Adeyemo participated in a Q&A session with the Senior class.
Hosted U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Alejandra Castillo to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new workforce training center at the San Bernardino Valley College.
Hosted Chief Executive Officer of Federal Home Loan Bank San Francisco (FHL Bank) Teresa Bazemore, National CORE and additional housing partners in a roundtable discussion on housing affordability and housing development issues.  
Joined the Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose at San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s unveiling of the Arrow Passenger Rail Service between Redlands and San Bernardino, which will be the first zero-emission, self-powered passenger train in North America.
Joined Harry Wingo, White House Deputy National Cyber Director, at CSUSB’s Cybersecurity Education event. The forum gathered leaders from academia, industry, and state and federal government to demonstrate the potential of cyber workforce ecosystems and how these groups are working together to create a successful partnership in California.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

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

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that his bill to rename the Del Rosa Post Office to honor the late Dr. Margaret B. Hill, a longtime educator and community advocate, was signed into law by President Biden on November 25, 2024.
“Dr. Margaret Hill was the heartbeat of the San Bernardino community and touched the lives of every person she met,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “She dedicated her life to making our community stronger through her work as an educator and youth empowerment leader. I am honored to have led this effort to enshrine her name in San Bernardino, and I hope this tribute will inspire us all to continue her legacy for years to come.”“We are beyond excited to finally see Dr. Margaret Hill’s legacy honored at our local post office,” said Erika Johnson, Dr. Hill’s niece. “On behalf of the family, we would like to thank Rep. Pete Aguilar, Curt Lewis and the team whose commitment has made this possible. It is our hopes that when people see Dr. Margaret Hill’s name it will encourage them to lead with kindness, love and to continue pursuing their dreams to make the community a better place. We take pride in knowing that her legacy will continue to bring light to those in the Inland Empire.”“The legacy of Dr. Margaret Hill has been a testament of the work that has inspired many in the City and County of San Bernardino,” said Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers. “I am excited to see this project completed, and I look forward to celebrating with the community.”“In honoring Dr. Margaret Hill, we celebrate not only her remarkable contributions to our community but also the enduring legacy of love, wisdom, and service that she has instilled in us all,” said Terrance Stone, Founder and CEO Of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy. “May the post office bearing her name in San Bernardino serve as a beacon of her dedication, reminding us that our greatest strength lies in lifting each other up. With gratitude, Terrance Stone.”“The naming this facility in honor of Dr. Margaret Hill is a great example of our democracy at work,” said Alton L. Garrett, Jr., President, Westside Action Group (WAG). “Through the gallant efforts of Westside Action Group (WAG) and other organizations in coordination with the office of Congressman Pete Aguilar, the naming (“Dr. Margaret B. Hill Post Office Building”) of this postal facility will ensure that Dr. Hill’s outstanding work and love for her community will always be in the forefront.”
Dr. Hill, who passed away in December 2021, devoted her life’s work to ensuring that children in the Inland Empire, specifically black and brown students, have access to high-quality education. In 1971, Dr. Hill began her work in public service as a high school teacher at San Bernardino High School. She later went on to serve as a principal, an Assistant Superintendent of San Bernardino County, an adjunct professor and as the first Black member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District school board. 
Rep. Aguilar’s effort to rename the post office was endorsed by: National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa – Delta Rho Chapter, Athletes for Life, First Five San Bernardino Commission, Black Cultural Foundation, Kiwanis of Greater San Bernardino, San Bernardino African American Policy Advisory and Time for Change Foundation.
Rep. Aguilar first introduced the bill in March 2022. After reintroducing the bill in February 2023, it passed the House and Senate with unanimous, bipartisan support.The newly renamed Dr. Margaret B. Hill Post Office Building will be located at 1663 E. Date Place in San Bernardino, California.
Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.