RANDOLPH – This week, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) joined Randolph leaders, Randolph High School administrators, and community partners to celebrate the grand opening of the Codman Square Health Center at Randolph High School. Rep. Pressley secured $1,000,000 in federal community project funding to support the center, which follows a years-long partnership between the Congresswoman’s office, Randolph town officials, Codman Square Health Center, and community stakeholders.
The new health center will improve access to preventive care, primary care, and mental health services to mitigate barriers to essential health care and promote health equity for Randolph families and community members.
“The Codman Square Health Center at Randolph High School is more than a building—it is a commitment to the health and well-being of the Randolph Community,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley. “This center, which we fought for years in partnership with community to bring to fruition, will ensure families can access care without leaving their community, maximize instructional time for students while getting the care they need, and build a network of support by the community, for the community. I’m proud to celebrate this necessary investment in health equity and I’m grateful to the Codman Square Health Center, the Town of Randolph, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and all our local partners for making this vision a reality.”
Photos from the event can be accessed here and video here.
Joining Congresswoman Pressley at the event was: Codman Square Health Center CEO Guy Fish; Brian Howard, Town Manager, Town of Randolph; Michelle Tyler, Director of Planning, Town of Randolph; Thea Stovell Herndon, Superintendent of Randolph Public Schools; and more.
“The unique, hybrid health center for which we cut the ribbon today is an example of the kind of work that community-minded people can do when they come together to make a difference,” says Codman Square Health Center CEO Guy Fish, MD, MBA. “We worked with our federal, state, and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to create a place that meets a vital need for the Randolph community and shouts ‘we see you, we hear you, we care for you’.”
“The school-based health center represents far more than a new facility. It represents what’s possible when local leadership, state and federal partners and residents come together with a shared purpose: to ensure that every resident in Randolph has access to the care they deserve. This project is not just about healthcare, it’s about equity and closing the gaps that, for too long, have existed in communities like ours.” – Brian Howard, Town Manager, Town of Randolph
“Many communities face a variety of challenging social issues such as poverty, substance abuse, mental health and more. Addressing these concerns effectively requires the coordinated efforts and resources of public, private and non-profit sectors to establish support services and networks to strengthen the fabric of the community. This school-based health center is but one initiative geared toward creating a healthy Randolph and enhancing the long-term future of our community.” – Michelle Tyler, Director of Planning, Town of Randolph
“This is more than a new service; it’s an investment in the wellbeing and future of our children and our community. With this center, students and families will have access to essential physical and mental health care right where they learn and live. That means fewer barriers for families, fewer absences, and more young people able to focus on their education rather than on how to get the help they need. It means earlier intervention, healthier outcomes, and a support system that meets children exactly where they are. This partnership recognizes that strong schools and strong communities go hand in hand.” – Thea Stovell Herndon, Superintendent of Randolph Public Schools
In March 2025, Rep. Pressley announced a $1,000,000 investment in federal funding to expand the Digital Literacy Initiative, a critical program that helps workforce development programs address digital literacy gaps.
On October 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Randolph for the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Turner Free Mobile Library, a bookmobile carrying books, movies, Wi-Fi, and other resources for community members, made possible by the $524,000 she delivered in funding for the library and STEM programming.
On October 10, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Just A Start, elected officials and community advocates and members for the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the Economic Mobility Hub at Rindge Commons, a 70,000-square-foot facility designed to address the evolving needs of the community.
On June 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Boston Medical Center (BMC) to celebrate $370,000 in federal community project funding she secured to support BMC’s Violence Intervention Advocacy Program.
On June 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Chelsea HealthCare Center to celebrate $1,150,000 in federal community project funding she secured to support Massachusetts General Hospital’s (MGH) efforts to address the statewide shortage of bilingual, culturally diverse mental health providers for immigrant and limited English proficiency communities.
On April 22, 2204, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) visited Nubian Square in Roxbury for a roundtable discussion to celebrate the $1,000,000 million in federal funding they secured for the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA).
On March 28, 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Roxbury to celebrate the $1,000,000 in federal funding she secured to provide emergency childcare support for families experiencing homelessness in the City of Boston.
In February 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Chelsea City Hall for a roundtable and press conference to celebrate the $750,000 in federal funding she secured for the City of Chelsea’s and City of Everett’s Island End River Coastal Flood Resilience Project.
In January 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Somerville to celebrate the $2.4 million in federal funding she secured to support the community-led transformation of the Clarendon Hill housing community, an ethnically, linguistically and economically diverse neighborhood.
In November 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Roxbury Community College (RCC) to celebrate $1 million in federal community project funding she secured for Northeastern University’s Roxbury Associate’s to Master’s Workforce Accelerator (RA2MWA).
In June 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Chelsea to celebrate $2,000,000 in federal community project funding she secured to improve the Broadway Corridor—home to an array of BIPOC-owned small businesses, vibrant public spaces, high frequency public transit routes, and dense residential housing.
In April 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Randolph to celebrate $524,000 she secured for Randolph Public Schools to support a mobile library and STEM programming.
In March 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Dorchester to celebrate $250,000 in new Community Project Funding she secured for Big Sister Association of Greater Boston’s one-to-one mentoring and enrichment programs for girls.
In February 2023, Rep. Pressley visited the African Community Economic Development of New England (ACEDONE) to celebrate the $643,003 in community project funding she secured for ACEDONE to support small businesses in predominately Black, brown and African immigrant communities.
In October 2022, Rep. Pressley visited The Dimock Center in Roxbury to celebrate $1 million in federal community project funding she secured to support substance use treatment and programming at the health center.
In August 2022, Rep. Pressley visited Randolph to deliver $275,000 in federal community project funding for culturally responsive resources and digital literacy tools for Randolph Public Schools.
In June 2022, Rep. Pressley visited the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology to deliver $300,000 in direct federal funding for the development of a Clean Energy Building Automation Systems certificate and associate degree program.
In April 2022, she visited Randolph to deliver $1,000,000 in federal community project funding for a new school-based community health center at Randolph High School.
In March 2022, she visited La Colaborativa in Chelsea to celebrate the $300,000 in federal community project funding that she delivered for La Colaborativa’s COVID Employment Recovery Program.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) are introducing legislation to promote transparency and accountability for app-based workers. The Empowering App-Based Workers Act would put guardrails on digital labor platforms, including Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Amazon, to ensure that automated decisions do not lead to discrimination and price-gouging, and provide transparency to workers on how their data is used.
“App-based workers work long hours, often with no consistency or predictability of how much they will make,” said Jayapal. “They are at the whim of algorithms that make automated decisions about who gets to work, and where, and when. Workers and consumers deserve a better system, where workers are protected, employment laws are followed, and where consumers have a transparent price.”
“The Empowering App-Based Workers Act is a long-overdue step toward fairness and transparency for the millions of rideshare drivers and delivery app workers who keep our economy running,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “By guaranteeing transparent payment information and higher wages, these workers will finally receive a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work. App-based workers deserve a good-paying job where they are treated with dignity, compensated fairly, and protected from exploitation.”
“Gig workers like Uber and Lyft drivers in my home state of Minnesota deserve a fair share of the wealth they create. App-based corporations have hidden behind AI algorithms and predatory take rates while drivers’ pay shrinks and executive profits soar,” said Rep. Omar. “The Empowering App-Based Workers Act will pull back the curtain on how these companies use data, set wages, and make decisions that shape people’s livelihoods. Gig workers should be part of a transparent system that values their labor.”
In 2024, Uber and Lyft both regularly paid drivers wages less than minimum wage, while at the same time increasing costs paid by consumers. These corporations’ ‘take rates’, or the percentage of a ride-fare that they keep, is often around 40 percent, but can be as high as 70 percent on individual rides.
The Empowering App-Based Workers Act would:
Require detailed weekly pay statements and itemized receipts for workers;
Require disclosure of electronic monitoring systems and how those are used to make automated decisions regarding work assignments;
Ensure that ride-hail drivers receive at least 75 percent of the total amount paid by a consumer for each transaction; and
Prohibit app-based platforms from violating equal pay for equal work by offering or paying different amounts to workers performing substantially similar or comparable work.
“We’re excited to see Representatives Jayapal, Norcross, and Omar listening to app-based workers and introducing the Empowering App-Based Workers Act in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Rebecca Dixon, president and CEO of the National Employment Law Project (NELP). “Corporations that use hidden algorithms to determine app-based workers’ pay, job assignments, and discipline must be held accountable. This bill will give workers the transparency they have been demanding for years and will help move us toward a good-jobs economy where all workers are treated fairly.”
The legislation is also sponsored by Dan Goldman (NY-10), Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mark Takano (CA-39), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)
Washington, D.C. — Today, the entire Washington state Congressional delegation sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state this week.
The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures.
“We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” the members of the delegation wrote. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.”
The letter to President Trump was joined by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10).
“On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record,” the Members continued.
“We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible,” the delegation concluded. “An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures.”
As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible.
This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.
On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record.
We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible.
An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures. We appreciate your prompt attention to this request.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)
Today, the Joint Economic Committee Democrats released a new report showing how declining Canadian tourism is harming American businesses in Washington. The decline in tourism comes as President Trump has proposed annexing Canada, imposed several rounds of tariffs on Canadian goods paid for by Americans, and repeatedly broken off trade talks. The report combines new data on tourism declines with new testimonials from businesses in Washington.
“Washington’s economy is particularly vulnerable to Trump’s trade war. 4-in-10 of our jobs are tied to trade, and our supply chains are deeply linked with Canada,” said DelBene. “This economic uncertainty, along with demeaning comments made about one of our closest trading partners, has led to a drastic reduction in the number of Canadian tourists visiting Washington, and businesses across our state are feeling the downturn.”
From January to October 2025, the report found that the number of passenger vehicles crossing the Washington-Canada border declined by more than 24 percent compared to the same period in 2024. Washingtonian businesses are also reporting fewer tourists, more hotel vacancies, and lower sales.
“Since March of this year, we have not only seen Canadian traffic drop drastically, but we have also seen a drop in our number of attendees at our festival this year in late September,” said Kevin Coleman, Executive Director of SeaFeast in Bellingham. “We knew that after March, we could not rely on our Canadian business because of fear at the border and lack of understanding of what is happening with tariffs and Canada drawing a strong line of promoting Canada first.”
“I didn’t want to just suddenly close on our customers without giving them a heads-up … We are really reliant on the Canadian traffic to come down here,” said Sasha Lysikov, owner of Minted Method in Bellingham.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)
Headline: Newhouse, WA Delegation Request Emergency Declaration Amid Severe Storms and Flooding
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) joined his colleagues from the Washington State Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging approval of the State of Washington’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration amid dangerous storms and flooding across the state.
“This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts,”the Delegation wrote. “We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible.”
The latest flood hazard outlook from theNational Weather Serviceforecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia, and “moderate” flooding along the Yakima River in Yakima and Benton Counties.
On Wednesday, December 10, Rep. Newhouse received an update from the National Weather Service and the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District. The Congressman and his district staff remain engaged with stakeholders, constituents, and the Trump Administration on the ongoing flooding.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC), is highlighting the various Veterans provisions in the finalNational Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, and informing Veterans of these ongoing efforts to improve Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) services, especially for the transition to civilian life.
Vice Chairman Amata, VA Secretary Collins, Chairman Bost, HVAC Members meeting in 2025
The NDAA passed the House on Wednesday with bipartisan support. It has key Transition Assistance Program (TAP) reforms to add accountability in the program, modernize services, and improve pathways for servicemembers and their spouses to take TAP. The effort to include these provisions was led by HVAC Chairman Mike Bost.
“It’s a constant priority to improve services across the board for our veterans, including communications, records, access issues, wait times and more,” said Vice Chairman Amata. “This legislation improves several aspects of separation from the Armed Forces and beginning civilian life with access to financial counseling and clarity about transition assistance. Thank you to Chairman Bost for his persistence in ensuring these provisions to help our Veterans will be in the new law.”
Under current law, the TAP program must begin no later than 365 days prior to separation for those who are transitioning out of the military. While TAP has evolved over the years, the most recent Congressionally mandated report as well as committee oversight hearings have revealed that only 50 percent of transitioning servicemembers make it to TAP on time at the 365-day mark. This number is concerning, as the Committee continues to look at ways to improve TAP through legislation and oversight, so veterans are equipped with the resources and knowledge of the VA benefits and their eligibility after they leave the military.
The NDAA also builds on the PACT Act by working to cut back the paperwork burden for veterans who apply for VA disability compensation benefits and were exposed to toxins during their time in service.
The following Veterans provisions were included in the final FY26 NDAA:
Waiver for Certain Members of the Reserve Components – Provides a waiver for certain members of the Reserve, allowing them to attend TAP every three years, unless there is relevant new information.
Pilot Program for Military Spouses – Makes it easier for spouses to receive TAP information by creating a program specific to spouses and meet the needs that transition is an event for the whole family, not just the servicemember.
Enhanced Financial Planning Counseling – Expands TAP’s financial guidance for individualized counseling on loans, debt management, and overall financial readiness.
Strengthened Requirement for Separation Counseling – Ensures pre-separation counseling is delivered in person whenever possible to improve quality and engagement.
Tracking TAP Timeliness and Participation – Directs DoD to follow when servicemembers begin TAP for improved accountability and timely access to resources.
Improved Access to Veteran Resources – Requires VA to maintain an online resource hub allowing veterans and families to easily search by ZIP code for local programs and assistance.
Annual Reporting on TAP Outcomes – Mandates detailed yearly reporting on TAP participation, completion rates, and counseling timelines to drive program improvement.
Codification and Expansion of Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record
Automatic Inclusion of Exposure Data in Service Records – Ensures toxic exposures are documented during service, preventing veterans from having to prove exposures years later.
Improved DoD/VA Information Sharing – Grants VA clinicians, researchers, and benefits staff full access to exposure information, strengthening care, claims decisions, and long-term research.
Support for Faster, Fairer VA Claims – Provides VA with a veteran’s complete exposure history upfront, reducing delays and unnecessary denials as new veterans apply for VA disability compensation benefits.
Chairman Bost said, “As Chairman, I have met with servicemembers, and their families stationed at home and around the world and heard firsthand their struggles when it comes to navigating the transition from active-duty to civilian life. We have worked hard to move the needle on TAP to get servicemembers – regardless of rank – the best program that meets their individual needs, but there is always more work to be done. The provisions I secured in this year’s NDAA build on our efforts and will bring needed improvements to TAP by requiring pre-transition counseling, improving methods for spouses to also attend TAP, modernizing the financial planning section, expanding the network of resources available to servicemembers and new veterans, and more. These changes will make a real difference in our servicemembers overall experience with TAP, and I am grateful to my friend, Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, for working with me to secure these vitally important provisions in this year’s NDAA on behalf of servicemembers and their families.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is hailing final House passage of the 2026 pay raise for the military, part of the yearly major Defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Pictured with women Service Members making us proud in the US Army – file photo
The bill, which passed Wednesday by a vote of 312-112, raises pay for U.S. Service Members by 3.8 percent next year, building on the prior year’s historic pay raise of over 14.5 percent for junior enlisted ranks (E-1 through E-4) with a 4.5 percent raise for all other military in the previous NDAA for fiscal year 2025, and the year before that a 5.2 percent increase – at the time, the highest boost in decades.
“Our dedicated military Service Members have earned every dollar of this increase and more,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Thank you to our Toa o Samoa for your service. The well-being of our Service Members and their families must always be a top priority, along with ensuring national readiness and defense systems. Over the last several years of the NDAA, we’ve built a growing focus on the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.”
Serving Christmas dinner to troops – file photo
The House previously passed an NDAA in July, and after the Senate passed their version, leaders met in conference negotiating on the two bills for this final version, S. 1071.
Congresswoman Amata welcomes the inclusion of several of her priorities.
Amata’s bill, theSouth Pacific Tuna Treaty Act, which had already passed the House in May, was includedas a section of this final NDAA. (See Congresswoman Amata’s separate release detailing this legislative success.) Her legislation provides statutory authority for previous diplomacy stabilizing tuna agreements among the U.S. and 16 South Pacific nations, allowing the U.S. fleet to plan and depend on these policies. “It’s wonderful to complete this lengthy effort,” said Aumua Amata. “Implementing this treaty ensures available days and access for our fleet, and better secures U.S. tuna for our national food supply.”
In another legislative success, a version of her House effort to provide VA healthcare benefits to Veterans from the Freely Associated States (FAS) is included. Congresswoman Amata, along with Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific Chairwoman Young Kim, Congressman Ed Case of Hawaii, and Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds of CNMI, had proffered a bipartisan amendment to keep the nation’s commitment to U.S. veterans from the islands.
“It’s important to honor our support for our island veterans, which were negotiated as part of the recent discussion for the renewed Compacts of Free Association. I worked on that legislation in the previous Congress. These FAS veterans served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and absolutely deserve these benefits, and I appreciate the Senate and House leaders accepting our bipartisan efforts into the final bill,” said Congresswoman Amata, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC).
In a third key priority, the NDAA includes the five-year authorization of the United States Coast Guard, complete with congressional direction to conduct a homeport analysis, and continue to enhance the cutter fleet.
“I have long favored a more permanent Coast Guard presence operating consistently out of Pago Pago Harbor, strengthening efforts against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (I.U.U.) fishing, and sending an important signal of commitment to the South Pacific,” continued Congresswoman Amata.
Each year the NDAA focus is refined for current and upcoming needs. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 bill included major new support for housing and quality of life improvements, while the FY 2025 bill emphasized improved acquisition.
This year, the $900 billion NDAA for FY 2026 is aimed at peace through strength including speeding up defense procurements, such as development of the next generation of air dominance fighters, naval vessels, along with strengthening Pacific security, especially strongly bolstered support for U.S. economic and technology interests in Taiwan.
Each year the NDAA is the largest Defense authorization bill, comprising all aspects of the Pentagon’s operations, including training, equipment, and current and future weapons system. Due to its importance, Congress has never failed to pass the yearly NDAA, with the first one passing in 1961 for fiscal year 1962.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting a new legislative success, as a House-passed bill she sponsored, theSouth Pacific Tuna Treaty Act, has been included as part of the year’s biggest Defense bill, up for final passage in a few days. Amata’s bill had already passed the House in May, when she gave a speech in its support on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, and is now a section of theNational Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), S. 1017. The House vote on final passage of the House-Senate negotiated NDAA is expected later this week.
Amata speaking on the House floor in May 2025 for passage of her South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act
Amata’s bipartisan legislation, introduced with Congressman Ed Case (D-Hawai’i) as the original cosponsor, provides congressional direction and statutory authority to fully implement the South Pacific Tuna Treaty and supports the stability of U.S. tuna fleet operations. This treaty was negotiated among the U.S. and 16 Pacific Islands nations, operating on a Memorandum of Understanding awaiting Congress to pass these policies into law.
“It’s wonderful to see this lengthy effort coming to a successful conclusion, with my bill now part of major defense legislation that has been passed for 65 straight years,” said Congresswoman Amata. “The Tuna Treaty itself, followed by our legislation, represents years of work by our nation’s diplomats and bipartisan support in Congress. I can’t possibly name everyone who had a part, but I especially thank Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman and Congressman Case.”
“In beautiful American Samoa, our marine economy depends on fishing, and is a constant priority,” Amata continued. “Implementing this treaty helps conclusively guide operations and decision-making for our fleet, and secure U.S. tuna in our national food supply chain.”
Amata’s previous bill was also passed by the House in 2024 but had not yet passed the Senate when the 118th Congress finished. In contrast, in this Congress, the House passed her previously vetted bipartisan bill more than a year earlier in the two-year Congressional session, and the Senate recognized its importance and included it in larger “must pass” legislation – the NDAA has been passed into law every year for over six decades.
Amata’s bill amends the South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act of 1988 to reflect the amendments to the Treaty, building on a decade of effort. In 2022, the Senate provided overwhelming bipartisan support for advice and consent to ratification, and Amata’s bill completes this longstanding process and resolves restrictions. The Treaty officially stabilizes high seas fishing days and codifies access to various island nations’ EEZ waters.
Testimony in 2024 highlighted that the U.S. tuna purse seine fleet has been reduced in a relatively few years’ time from 34 vessels to 13 vessels, due to economic challenges from regulation, reduced access, and the problem of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. In a hearing of the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries, on which Amata serves, William Gibbons-Fly, the Executive Director of the American Tunaboat Association, testified that the last true “distant water fishing fleet” under the U.S. flag operates from Pago Pago Harbor, and are “multi-generational, family-owned businesses with a long and storied history as an important part of the U.S. fishing industry.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)
Today, the House of Representatives passed the Electric Supply Chain Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, to strengthen oversight of supply chains supporting electricity generation and transmission.
The Electric Supply Chain Act directs the Department of Energy to consult with relevant stakeholders to produce periodic assessments of supply chain trends, risks, and vulnerabilities affecting electricity generation and transmission.
“Energy security is national security, and this bill brings us one step closer to unleashing American energy dominance. The Electric Supply Chain Act will strengthen the reliability of our electric grid, expand domestic energy production, and ensure we can power the artificial intelligence data centers of the future. Together, these efforts reinforce American-led energy production and security across the board. I’m grateful to my House colleagues for supporting this bill, and I urge the Senate to act on this critical legislation,”Latta said.
WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), introduced the Airport Revenue Clarity Act, a bill that will return $30 million in tax revenue to Clayton County and the Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS). The measure addresses rules created by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that prevents the county from collecting revenue from local general sales taxes on aviation fuel.
“Clayton County and its schools lose more than $30 million every single year because of this unfair sales tax loophole,” said Congressman David Scott. “These are funds that need to be supporting our students, strengthening our classrooms, and ensuring our teachers have the money they need to help our students succeed. Our students deserve the full benefit of the tax revenue generated in their own community. I am working with both Democrats and Republicans to pass this legislation.”
“Our community has watched as revenue generated at the world’s busiest airport left our county while our schools and services stretched to do more with less,” said Clayton County Commissioner Tashé Allen. “Regaining the right to collect and invest those tax dollars where they belong isn’t just a policy fix, it affirms that Clayton County matters and ensures that revenue generated here is reinvested in our schools, infrastructure, and public services.”
In 2014, the FAA created regulations restricting the use of revenues for local and state general sales tax on aviation fuel—requiring funds to be used only for capital or operating costs of local airports. Clayton County had levied general sales taxes long before the 2014 FAA rule. However, since the regulations’ implementation, the county has lost over $30 million in tax revenue annually, half of which is dedicated to Clayton County Public School (CCPS)—even as the county does not directly sponsor nor provide oversight of Hartsfield-Jackson. These restrictions have diverted significant funds away from the community, money that Clayton County voters approved, and local leaders allocated to improve public schools, transportation infrastructure, and other local essential services.
The Airport Revenue Clarity Act would:
Exempt Clayton County, CCPS, and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport from federal restrictions on the use of revenue collected through local sales taxes on aviation fuel.
Eliminate outdated federal requirements that force grant applicants to submit duplicative written assurances regarding how revenue is used in order to qualify for airport development projects.