Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko and Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Sean Casten, Mike Levin, and Chellie Pingree, along with SEEC Member Rep. Debbie Dingell – an original author of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund – sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to demand that the EPA direct Citibank to immediately release the legally obligated money from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. They led a total of 82 Members of Congress in signing the letter.

“We write to you in response to the Trump Administration’s persistent and shocking attempts to undermine the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). For weeks, Citibank has withheld congressionally authorized GGRF funding at your direction without any justification, and now, despite failing to produce any evidence of wrongdoing, the Trump Administration has requested that GGRF awardees turn over records to the FBI and appear in federal court. And last week, you further escalated EPA’s inappropriate attack on the program by announcing the termination of existing GGRF contracts without any evidence that the grantees were in breach of the terms of their agreements. Last night, a federal judge responded and blocked the EPA’s attempt to claw back billions in legally obligated dollars, slamming EPA for providing “no legal justification for the termination” and for failing to follow due process. We are stunned by this unprecedented campaign of intimidation, and we call on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to direct Citibank to immediately release these legally obligated funds,” said the letter. 

“We find it extremely troubling that GGRF funds continue to be the target of a political witch hunt without any justification or evidence of wrongdoing. The EPA’s actions have unnecessarily spurred great economic uncertainty, and now, the eight nonprofit recipients of NCIF and CCIA funding are at risk of going bankrupt and some have already begun to furlough their workers. In the absence of a clear explanation to awardees for why these funds continue to be frozen, we urge EPA to direct Citibank to release these funds without further delay so that these federal dollars, as intended by law, can help American families and businesses begin to lower their energy bills, spur local economic development, and work towards healthier, safer communities across the country.”

The letter can be found here.

Background

Last month, the Trump Administration launched a broad, far-reaching attack on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), a historic program established in the Inflation Reduction Act to expand access to low-cost, high-impact clean energy financing. Last week, Administrator Zeldin announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would terminate contracts with all eight awardees under the GGRF’s National Clean Investment Fund and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator – threatening $20 billion in critical clean energy and local economic development projects. For weeks, neither EPA nor Citibank had provided the nonprofit grantees with any explanation to justify the freeze. To date, three of the largest GGRF awardees individually sued a combination of Citibank and EPA. On March 18, the courts responded by blocking the EPA’s attempt to reclaim billions in legally obligated dollars deposited at Citibank because the EPA “gave no legal justification for the termination” of GGRF contracts and failed to follow due process.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) released the following statement after the passing of former Congresswoman Nita Lowey.

“I am heartbroken by the passing of former Congresswoman Nita Lowey,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Nita was a dedicated public servant, a trailblazer, a fierce advocate for her constituents, and a dear friend. As the first woman to lead the House Committee on Appropriations, she championed critical issues, from public broadcasting and environmental protection to advancing women’s health and promoting diplomacy abroad. Her legacy of service continues to make a lasting impact on communities throughout the country and the world. My prayers are with her family during this difficult time.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Reps. Ken Calvert (R-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Nick Langworthy (R-NY) reintroduced the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) of 2025. The bill would reauthorize the DERA program through fiscal year 2029 at the current level of $100 million annually.

In 2005, Congress enacted the original Diesel Emissions Reduction Act as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to combat pollution from heavy-duty diesel engines. Administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DERA uses federal funding — distributed through grants and rebates — to leverage state and other non-federal funding to finance the voluntary replacement or installation of retrofits on existing heavy-duty diesel vehicles and engines. DERA funding has played a critical role in getting old, inefficient diesel engines off the road and replaced with cleaner, American-made technology. Congresswoman Matsui has long been a champion of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, leading previous reauthorizations in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2023.

“Clean air is essential to the health and well-being of every American family, ensuring that children can grow up in a safe environment and adults can live without the burden of respiratory diseases and other pollution-related health issues,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “DERA is a proven, commonsense solution that not only improves air quality and protects public health, but also supports American jobs by replacing outdated vehicles and equipment. DERA’s steadfast, bipartisan support is a testament to its cost-effective success—returning up to thirty dollars in public health benefits for every dollar spent. Reauthorizing DERA will continue to drive progress toward a cleaner, healthier future for all Americans. I am proud to once again lead this important legislation, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

“Replacing old diesel engines with newer cleaner burning engines provides significant clean air and health benefits for our communities,” said Congressman Calvert. “That’s why I have been a longtime supporter of the DERA program and worked in a bipartisan manner to provide these critical resources.”

“Diesel fuel powers Maine’s boats, ferries, buses, construction trucks, agricultural equipment, and more, but diesel emissions have serious, harmful impacts on public health and the environment,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “Programs like the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) are critical to reduce air pollution and boost our transition to clean energy. Growing volatility in global oil markets only adds to the sense of urgency. That’s why it’s so important that we make efficient, low-emission vehicles and equipment as accessible as possible—and why I’m proud to support this common-sense program.”

“Reauthorizing the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act is crucial for New York’s 23^rd congressional district, home to Cummins Inc.’s Jamestown Engine Plant,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Not only does Cummins Inc. contribute to the local economy and provide jobs, they are leaders in engine manufacturing and innovation. New York’s 23^rd congressional district needs us to reauthorize legislation like DERA so we can continue to upgrade old diesel engines, improve air quality, and support local manufacturers.”

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) issued the following statement after the passing of Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ-07).

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and wonderful colleague Congressman Raul Grijalva,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Raul led the Natural Resources Committee with an inimitable spirit – working tirelessly to protect our public lands, advocate for our tribal nations, and champion environmental justice in our battle against the climate crisis. He was a dedicated, fierce fighter on so many critical issues, but I will remember him most for his kindness, care, and compassion for those he served. He truly dedicated his career to leaving a better future for our children and grandchildren. My prayers are with all of Raul’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

                                               

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

Congressman Valadao Releases Statement Upon Passage of Continuing Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19) in reintroducing the Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act. This bipartisan bill reauthorizes and makes improvements to the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG), which helps individuals and businesses start, expand, or improve rural cooperatives or other mutually owned businesses through Cooperative Development Centers.

“Cooperatives are the backbone of rural communities, providing critical services like healthcare, housing, and childcare,” said Congressman Valadao. “By strengthening federal support for these businesses, we can help our rural economies grow and ensure Central Valley families have access to the resources they need. I’m proud to reintroduce this bill with Congressman Riley to invest in the future of our rural communities.”

“Cooperatives put funding directly into the hands of the people who build and sustain our rural communities,” said Rep. Riley. “I’m proud to work across the aisle with Congressman Valadao on this commonsense, bipartisan effort to invest in Upstate New York and the Central Valley, not big corporations and monopolies.”

Background:

A cooperative is a business that is owned and controlled by people who use its services, often for the mutual benefit of a community. This model empowers rural communities to collectively address economic challenges and meet common needs. For instance, a rural community might establish a cooperative to collectively purchase bulk goods like seed and fertilizer, sell members’ farm products to larger markets, or offer utilities like electricity which would otherwise be unavailable to individual families.

The Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act reauthorizes the Rural Community Development Grant program and prioritizes cooperatives in RCDG awards. It also cuts burdensome red tape, steers funding toward underserved communities, and measures progress on cooperative development. Specifically, the bill:

• Reauthorizes funding for Rural Community Development Grants at $40 million annually from FY25 to FY29.
• Ensures scoring for grants does not disadvantage under-resourced organizations.
• Reduces regulatory burden by implementing multi-year grants.
• Prioritizes grants for socially vulnerable, underserved, or distressed communities.
• Requires the Working Group on Cooperative Development submit an annual report detailing their activities to Congress.

Read the full bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) to reintroduce the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act. This bipartisan bill would provide additional financial support for veterans who are pursuing vocational training or higher education and would help ensure a successful transition to civilian life.

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and the federal government has a duty to support them as they transition back to civilian life,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act takes necessary steps to modernize the Post-9/11 GI Bill by increasing the annual stipend for educational materials, ensuring it keeps pace with rising costs. This is a common sense, bipartisan effort to give our veterans the resources they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in support.”

“Veterans across New Mexico have made incredible sacrifices for our country, which is why I’m proud to lead the bipartisan Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act,” said Rep. Vasquez. “By updating the outdated book supply stipend, this bill ensures that veterans have the resources they need to thrive as they pursue their education.”

The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act would: 

• Update the outdated book/school supply stipend afforded to veterans from $1,000 to $1,400.

• Allows for regular adjustments of the stipend to keep up with inflation.

Read the full bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

Congressman Valadao Releases Statement Following Tonight’s Presidential Address

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) to reintroduce the Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act (EMPSA). This bipartisan bill, which removes the marriage penalty for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensures that married adults are not penalized by the federal government. 

“No one should have to choose between love and financial security, yet outdated SSI rules unfairly penalize married individuals with disabilities,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bill is a common sense solution that ensures those with intellectual or developmental disabilities can receive the benefits they need while protecting their right to marry.”

“No one should be penalized for getting married, especially when it comes to accessing the critical benefits that so many people in our community rely on,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act is a much-needed step toward ensuring married adults with diagnosed intellectual and developmental disabilities get every dollar of the Supplemental Security Income they deserve.”

“We applaud Congressman Valadao and Congresswoman Susie Lee for the reintroduction of the Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act (EMPSA) Act,” said National Down Syndrome Society President and CEO, Kandi Pickard. “Marriage should never have to be a distant dream. No one should have to choose between marrying the person they love and securing the vital benefits they need to live and thrive in their communities.”

“This bill would remove the marriage penalty in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual/developmental disabilities so that they will be able to get married without significantly reducing or even losing their SSI benefits,” said National Down Syndrome Congress Executive Director, Jim Hudson. “We are grateful to Rep. Valadao and Rep. Lee for their leadership on this important piece of legislation.”

“No one should have to choose between love, family, and financial stability. Yet, for married couples with disabilities, including autism, the current SSI rules create unnecessary hardships, forcing them to risk losing essential benefits just to be together,” said Keith Wargo, President & CEO of Autism Speaks. “We are grateful to Representatives David Valadao and Susie Lee for taking action to address these outdated policies. Their bipartisan bill will help protect the financial independence of people with disabilities and ensure they aren’t penalized for building a life with the person they love.”

“Eliminating the marriage penalty for people with disabilities on social security insurance makes sense for a population that overwhelmingly earns less than the average American because of their disability,” said Hampus Hillerstrom, President & CEO of LuMind IDSC Foundation. “I see this progress as removing a discriminatory regulation and supportive of their human rights.” 

“The Autism Society strongly supports efforts to eliminate the marriage penalty in Social Security benefits,” said Christopher Banks, President & CEO of the Autism Society of America. “For individuals with autism and other disabilities, these policies create unnecessary financial barriers that undermine the ability to form supportive, stable relationships. By removing this penalty, we ensure that individuals and families can pursue meaningful connections without fear of losing crucial benefits.”

Supporting organizations include: National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Autism Speaks, LuMind IDSC Foundation, and Autism Society of America.

Background: 

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources meet basic needs. 
• Currently, benefits for a married couple, both of whom receive SSI and have no other income, amount to 25 percent less than the total they would receive if they were living together, but not as husband and wife. 
• For example, if each person receives $841 per month, they will receive $1,261 together after marriage.

Summary: 

The EMSPA Act excludes a spouse’s income and resources when determining eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and disregards marital status when calculating the SSI benefit amount, for an adult who has a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability.

Read the full bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Larson (1st District of Connecticut)

Rep. Larson wrote the following Letter to the Editor that appeared in the  Washington Post: 

The July 24 editorial, “The national debt can be tamed,” identified Social Security as one of the “three most urgent areas for reform,” but it is a great misnomer that Social Security adds to the national debt.

Operating independently of the federal budget, Social Security is funded through payroll contributions collected from workers and employers. Though the program is facing insolvency — and a 21 percent cut in benefits — by 2033 if Congress fails to act, it has never missed a payment.

Raising the retirement age — as the editorial proposed — represents a further cut in benefits. Every year the retirement age is raised translates to a 7 percent benefit cut. Raising the age to 70, a proposal embraced by the right-wing Heritage Foundation, would be about a 21 percent cut. This would disproportionately affect many blue-collar workers, who perform physically demanding jobs and often have to retire earlier.

Social Security is the safety net of capitalism and entrepreneurialism. It allows people to take risks while ensuring no one will work all their lives just to end up in poverty.

There are better ways to make Social Security more efficient than cutting benefits. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with The Post’s editorial, call for scrapping the payroll cap on high-income earners. This would extend solvency and allow Congress to enhance benefits.

John B. Larson, East Hartford, Conn.

The writer, a Democrat, represents Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House.