Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today reintroduced a bill that would add the District of Columbia to the national empowerment zone program to provide federal tax incentives for businesses to invest in low-income areas in the District. This bill would effectively restore many of the federal tax incentives for investment in low-income D.C. neighborhoods that a Norton bill created in 1997, but that Congress refused to extend in 2011. Norton’s previous tax incentives bill produced significant investment in the District of Columbia. Norton said that since Congress continues to extend the national empowerment zone program, D.C. neighborhoods that need the incentives should be able to participate in it.

In her introductory statement, Norton said “With the Trump administration’s mass firings of federal employees, budget cuts and proposed relocation of federal agencies, as well as the continued prevalence of remote and hybrid work, this bill is especially important.”

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

On the Introduction of a Bill to Designate the District of Columbia

 as an Empowerment Zone

December 9, 2025

Today, I introduce a bill that would designate certain areas of the District of Columbia as an empowerment zone.  This bill effectively would reauthorize many of the unique federal tax incentives for business investment in D.C. that expired in 2011. With the Trump administration’s mass firings of federal employees, budget cuts and proposed relocation of federal agencies, as well as the continued prevalence of remote and hybrid work, this bill is especially important. 

In 1993, Congress created the national empowerment zone program to encourage investment in low-income communities and delegated to federal agencies the authority to designate communities as empowerment zones.  D.C. was not so designated.  However, in 1997, working primarily with Republicans in Congress, I created federal tax incentives for investment in D.C. by businesses and individuals.  The business tax incentives were similar to, but more generous than, those available under the national empowerment zone program.  I got the D.C. tax incentives continuously reauthorized until 2011, when Congress refused to extend these tax incentives.  At the same time, Congress extended the national empowerment zone program, and the program was last extended through 2025.  Under this bill, low-income neighborhoods in D.C. would be treated as an empowerment zone as long as the national empowerment zone program remains in effect.  

Congress has long recognized that the benefits of tax incentives for investment in low-income communities outweigh the costs, as it has continuously extended the national empowerment zone program. 

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Donald Norcross (NJ-01)  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.

“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, Ranking Member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. “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.”

“App-based workers work long hours, often with no consistency or predictability of how much they will make,” said Rep. 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.”

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).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

The Congressman has been a leader on this effort for the last five years. In adding his signature, he becomes first Colorado Democrat to sign Republican-led discharge petition. 

“For years, I’ve led the effort to ban stock trading by Members of Congress, and have worked with a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to champion legislation on the same. Put simply, public servants should be focused on serving their community — not their stock portfolios. I’ll continue to utilize every tool to get our legislation across the finish line, which is why today I signed onto Rep. Luna’s discharge petition to force a vote on a prohibition on congressional stock trading. It is long past time for the Speaker to put the bill on the House floor, and for the Congress to ban this insidious activity — period.” said Congressman Neguse. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado’s Western Slope, applauded the final passage of his legislative proposal to reauthorize the bipartisan Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, an initiative that provides vital funds to rural and mountain communities that are home to federal lands, which are tax exempt. The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act, which now heads to the President’s desk for signature, will promptly get this program back up and running — delivering payments to eligible counties, including many located in Northwest Colorado. 

House consideration of the bill followed a letter Neguse and colleagues penned last week, calling for Republican leadership to fast-track its consideration. 

“The Secure Rural Schools program is a vital lifeline for the communities I serve across Western Colorado, and I’m proud that our efforts to build a bipartisan coalition in support of the program have enabled my legislation to get across the finish line. My top priority is always to deliver for the people I represent, forging common ground to advance the common good for our communities — from Grand County to Eagle County and everywhere in between. That’s why I’m incredibly proud to see my proposal to reauthorize SRS make its way to the President’s desk, continuing this crucial program for rural counties,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. 

Neguse previously secured two-year extensions for the SRS program in 2019 and as part of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, but its authorization ultimately lapsed in September 2023. 

The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act passed the Senate earlier this year by unanimous consent. It was co-sponsored by Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper. 

“The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act is a lifeline for Colorado counties that steward our public lands and shoulder the responsibilities that come with them. These resources help rural communities keep teachers in classrooms, maintain safe roads, and provide public safety services that counties rely on,” said Senator Michael Bennet. 

The SRS program supports investments in local infrastructure, public safety, and public education. For communities in Colorado, this includes funding for wildfire mitigation, search-and-rescue operations and trail and road maintenance. Rural school districts can also use SRS payments to improve school transportation services, ensure high-quality instructional materials, create new extracurricular activities and more. 

The following counties in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District received payments from the program: Routt, Summit, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Jackson, Grand, Jefferson, Larimer, and Boulder. Below are statements from local representatives celebrating its reauthorization.

“We are grateful to Congressman Neguse for his strong leadership and advocacy in advancing the reauthorization of SRS,” said Sonja Macys, Chair, Routt County Board of County Commissioners. “Routt County distributes 100% of our SRS allocation to our local school districts, recognizing the critical role they play in creating safe, healthy, and inspiring environments where young people can thrive and become engaged citizens. It is a proud moment when Congress comes together in support of rural America.”

“The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization provides essential support for Routt County and for rural school districts like ours. These funds help us maintain critical services, invest in students, and ensure that our schools remain strong and stable despite the challenges of a rural economy. We are grateful for the bipartisan commitment to sustaining the educational and community resources our families depend on,” said Dr. Celine Wicks, Steamboat Springs School District Superintendent. 

“Clear Creek School District is deeply grateful for the support provided through SRSA funding. Each year, these resources help us meet the diverse needs of our students, enabling us to invest in curriculum we otherwise could not afford, hire the essential support staff our schools rely on, and enhance professional development for our educators. SRSA funding truly expands what is possible for our students and our community,” said Wesley Paxton, Superintendent of Clear Creek School District.

“I want to thank Congressman Neguse for his leadership and tireless efforts championing the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act. For years, Congressman Neguse and his team have led a bipartisan coalition for this important reauthorization. Larimer County and our rural school districts rely heavily on this program. It directly invests in our students, schools, and essential public safety services. In our region, this program brings critical support for wildfire prevention, search and rescue organizations, and other rural infrastructure needs. I recently visited Washington D.C. to meet with Congressman Neguse, along with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Rural Action Caucus, to discuss the SRS Reauthorization and other important rural issues. The SRS Reauthorization was a priority item during the NACo discussions.” said Jody Shadduck-McNally, Larimer County Commissioner.

“We are incredibly grateful for the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program. In a county like ours, where federal land significantly limits our property tax base, these dollars—historically around $300,000 annually—play a vital role in supporting our students and schools. In Colorado, where public education funding ranks near the bottom nationally, every dollar counts. These funds directly support our general fund, of which 89% goes toward staff salaries. This support is critical to maintaining high-quality learning environments for every student in Summit County.” said Dr. Tony Byrd, Superintendent of Summit School District.

“Eagle County is thrilled by the House of Representatives’ strong support for this measure,” said Jeanne McQueeney, Eagle County Commissioner. “A permanent reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools is critical to ensuring that public lands counties like ours can provide stable, high-quality education for every student. This advancement brings us closer to the long-term certainty our school districts need to plan effectively and invest confidently in the future. We applaud the bipartisan leadership that recognizes how essential strong, well-funded schools are to thriving rural communities.”

“Congressman Neguse has continued to support public education funding throughout our state. The Secure Rural Schools program supports Eagle County School District as well as other youth-serving nonprofits in our community, amplifying our impact. Having a voice like his in Washington goes a long way to help schools throughout Colorado,” said Philip Qualman, Eagle County School District. 

“Grand County is comprised of more than 70 percent public land – which does not generate property taxes necessary to help fund our two school districts. East Grand School District and West Grand School District have historically both benefitted from and rely on the Secure Rural Schools Program through the 1908 National Forest Reserve Act as a significant funding source. On behalf of those districts and our students, we would like to thank Congressman Neguse and the many Representatives for their continued support of rural counties and school districts,” said Randy George, Chairman, Grand County Board of Commissioners.

“Being a remote and rural district has its benefits; these funds help us overcome the challenges associated with our geography and size,” said Superintendent Bray Ray, East Grand School District. “We greatly appreciate the efforts to maintain these funds, as they help us maintain vital programming in our district.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON – On November 19th, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN), Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL), and Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) introduced the Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation updates federal statute to give prosecutors the tools they need to charge criminal carjackers and get them off our streets.

“Current federal statute makes carjacking cases difficult to prosecute,” said Congressman Kustoff. “The bill changes that by requiring prosecutors to prove that a person knowingly took a motor vehicle by force, violence, or intimidation. This change closes a loophole that has allowed violent offenders to avoid being charged and held accountable.”

“Carjackings have increased across the country, particularly in our Nation’s capital, and families are paying the price for Washington’s failure to address this growing problem,” said Congressman Moore. “Federal prosecutors shouldn’t have to read minds to put dangerous criminals behind bars. I thank Rep. Kustoff and Rep. Cuellar for partnering with me to restore common sense to the law by removing a decades-old drafting error that has handcuffed law enforcement and emboldened offenders. Every American deserves to know they can drive to work, church, or school safely, and this bipartisan legislation brings us one step closer to restoring law and order.”

“Our bipartisan bill fixes a longstanding error in federal law that’s made it harder to go after dangerous carjackers, and I want to thank my friend and colleague from Alabama, Rep. Barry Moore, for working with me on this effort,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28). “I’m focused on the rise in violent crime that families are seeing across the country. I want to make sure law enforcement has the resources they need to respond to these trends and keep our communities safe. I’ll keep fighting for stronger public safety laws that support our communities.”

The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act is co-sponsored by Representatives Nehls (R-TX), Guest (R-MS), Luna (R-FL), Palmer (R-AL), Gill (R-TX), Harris (R-NC), Rutherford (R-FL), Williams (R-TX), Hunt (R-TX), McGuire (R-VA), Harrigan (R-NC), Mace (R-SC), Ogles (R-TN), Miller (R-OH), Carter (R-GA), Kim (R-CA) Huizenga (R-MI), Sessions (R-TX), and Babin (R-TX). Senator Blackburn (R-TN) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate in May of 2025.

This bill is endorsed by the National District Attorneys Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.

Background:
This bill strengthens the federal carjacking statute by updating the elements prosecutors must prove in order to bring a charge. Under current law, prosecutors must prove that the offender intended to cause harm at the exact moment they took the vehicle, which has created a loophole that allows offenders to evade federal prosecution. The bill replaces that requirement with a standard that the person knowingly took the vehicle. This change restores Congress’s original intent from the 1994 Crime Bill and closes a longstanding gap that has shielded violent offenders from accountability. 

Read the bill text HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC — Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17), author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, released the following statement after a third federal judge this week granted a request by the Department of Justice to unseal records related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell:

“This is promising, but I will be watching closely for any attempts to delay or prevent the release of the files by the Department of Justice. My legislation requires that the files be released by December 19th. It also requires DOJ to declassify information to the fullest extent possible with redactions to protect survivors. Anything that is redacted has to be accompanied by a written justification published in the Federal Register and submitted to Congress. This bill was a bipartisan effort signed by President Trump. I hope Attorney General Pam Bondi will put the survivors above politics and the interests of the Epstein class. The public deserves full transparency, and the survivors deserve justice,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. 

Today, Judge Richard Berman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted a request from DOJ to unseal files related to Epstein. The files include grand jury materials, investigative records, and documents from a 2019 investigation into Epstein.

On December 9th, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer granted a similar DOJ request to unseal grand jury transcripts and evidence from a sex trafficking case in New York against Ghislaine Maxwell. Engelmayer cited Rep. Khanna’s Epstein Files Transparency Act as the reason he changed his position on releasing the materials. 

On December 5th, U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith granted a request to unseal grand jury transcripts from a federal investigation in Florida into Epstein, writing that the Epstein Files Transparency Act overrides the secrecy orders around grand jury materials.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC – Today, Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced the National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act — a bill that invests in worker-owned cooperative businesses by endowing the Small Business Administration (SBA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and numerous federal agencies with the authority to expand and implement policies supporting the business model. 

Worker cooperatives are a business model that provides employees shared ownership and democratic control of a company. Rather than maximizing returns for outside shareholders, worker co-ops aim to share profits, benefits, and decision-making power with the workers who make the business function. Studies show that employee-owned companies tend to have higher productivity, more job stability, and increased worker satisfaction compared to conventionally owned firms.

The legislation will launch a coordinated federal effort to provide funding, technical assistance, education, and an improved regulatory environment for worker co-ops as well as establish a United States Council on Worker Cooperatives, led by the Department of Labor. The council will report to Congress with a federal worker cooperative strategy, designed through identifying regulatory barriers, proposing solutions, and coordinating research and educational initiatives. 

It also creates a small business lending pilot program through the SBA specifically for worker-owned cooperatives, providing $60 million in loans over 10 years and funding through the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund for education and services to create and manage worker co-ops. 

“Employee success is the backbone of small business success. It is time we help empower employee’s voices with worker cooperatives and help ensure they share in the wealth they help create. I’m proud to introduce this bill that provides coordinated federal support and resources to make employee ownership possible and grant ordinary Americans a seat in the ownership economy,” said Rep. Ro Khanna

“Worker Cooperatives are a solution for business owners who want to retire, for community stability, and for worker empowerment…and of course wealth building. There are significant issues around the lack of understanding and awareness of what a worker cooperative is, how a business can transition to one, and the business needs. Thank you Rep. Ro Khanna for bringing the conversation of worker cooperatives to the front burner and prioritizing their creation and treatment at the federal level,” said Kirk Vartan, GM/Founder, A Slice of New York

“Decades of research have shown that employee ownership creates good jobs, strong businesses and a meaningful pathway for wealth creation through business ownership for hundreds of thousands of workers. The National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act will remove major obstacles that inhibit the wider adoption of worker ownership as a critical tool for equitable economic and workforce development,” said Zen Trenholm, Senior Director of Employee Ownership Cities and Policy at the Democracy at Work Institute.

“We all know that in the last few years there has been an increase of economic hardships, especially within marginalized communities. Yet, incredibly,  in these very places of great strife, we have seen many seeds of organized  cooperation and community caretaking take root. Worker owned cooperatives are businesses where we see great resilience. In worker owned cooperatives, workers are empowered to make decisions that are best for themselves and for the business. The people closest to the work are the best positioned to make decisions about that work. Worker owned cooperatives provide dignified work that is inherently invested in the wellbeing of not only the workers but their community as a whole. We need more federal recognition and support so we can continue to grow the networks of worker owned cooperatives in this country,” said Itzel Nuño, Workplace Democracy Projects Coordinator, Sustainable Economies Law Center

“With federal support, worker cooperatives can play a critical role in reducing income and wealth inequality, retaining small businesses, and creating quality jobs. Our nonprofit has helped many business owners sell to their employees through worker coop transitions, and, as a result, workers’ pay, profit sharing, and job satisfaction are increasing dramatically. This bill complements recent employee ownership legislation by promoting the unique advantages of the increasingly popular worker cooperative model. And it couldn’t be more timely, with nearly three million job-creating businesses at risk of closing when their owners retire; many of these can transition to worker coops, rewarding the selling owner and new worker-owners alike,” said Hilary Abell, Chief Policy & Impact Officer, Project Equity

“The 1,000+ workers of the Network of Bay Area Worker Cooperatives (NoBAWC) — a network of over 40 worker-owned firms in California — have eagerly supported goals in addressing the various crises workers across California are facing. Namely, these workers are seeking interventions from the state and federal government to ease the creation of worker cooperatives in a fiscally responsible and socially just manner. Rep. Ro Khanna’s National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act will bring the needed focus on worker cooperatives at the federal level,” said J. Noven, Coordinator, Network of Bay Area Worker Cooperatives

“The Worker-Owned Recovery California (WORC) coalition was spontaneously founded in response to the dire and immediate conditions of COVID-19 in April 2020. Worker cooperatives were the primary strategy we promoted to address the massive pending business closures in California, and create multiple state-level budget requests. Our volunteer group has identified many gaps in state and federal systems to effectively support worker cooperative formation and support. Rep. Ro Khanna’s National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act will bring the needed focus on worker cooperatives at the federal level. WORC Coalition enthusiastically supports this bill,” said J Noven, Acting Coordinator, WORC Coalition

“The California Center for Cooperative Development is a non-profit dedicated to empowering groups to improve their lives by working together to accomplish together what they cannot effectively do alone.  Worker Cooperatives offer a business model that empowers groups to own and control their workplace, and in so doing they also offer valuable, local-based goods and services to their communities.  We encourage support for this bill– it benefits local economies, at both the worker-owner and consumer level,” said E. Kim Coontz, Executive Director, California Center for Cooperative Development

“Worker Cooperatives are one of the most successful and popular options for employee-owned companies in  America. The National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act would go a long way to expanding this opportunity, benefiting both retiring business owners and their employees. Thank you Rep. Ro Khanna for advancing this great piece of legislation,” said Thomas Dudley, CEO, Certified Employee-Owned

“We are seeing historic small business growth, with a record-breaking 5.5 million new business applications last year,” said John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO, Small Business Majority. “The ‘National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act’ will help sustain this growth by removing barriers to worker-owned business cooperatives, including access to capital, education and resources. We applaud Representative Ro Khanna for introducing legislation that will support the development of unique business models like worker ownership structures. Under this legislation, small business owners can pursue succession planning while ensuring they and their employees can build wealth in their communities,” said Richard Hobbs, Executive Director and a co-founder of Human Agenda

“Worker cooperatives put worker and community benefits at the core of their purpose and operations and help create long-term jobs and sustainable business practices. Increased awareness of and support for these businesses would positively impact many workers, families, and communities. Thank you Rep. Ro Khanna for working to support and expand the worker-owned cooperative business sector in the United States,” said Ashley Ortiz, Development and Support Cooperative member, Arizmendi Association of Cooperatives

“On behalf of the Smart Yards Co-op team, I’d like to express our deep appreciation for your work and introducing The National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act. As you know worker-owned businesses make them compelling and innovative business models in many ways. For us at Smart Yards Co-op, there are many reasons to work cooperatively and dream of growing our business as a coop as there’s tons of work to transform outdoor living spaces into regenerative and life supporting ecosystems that also conserve water and energy. The strong commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices; considerations for the environment, social responsibility, ethical sourcing, resource conservation, diversity of ideas and skills leading to innovative solutions and creative approaches to challenges are key for us to be organized as a co-op. Unfortunately, the perception and lack of understanding of co-ops in our communities can be a challenge. The NWCDSA can indeed inspire action and move us toward the direction of a culture of more co-op businesses in Silicon Valley,” said Elizabeth Sarmiento, Manager/Founder, Smart Yards Cooperative

“The Tuttle Law Group has been focused on legal support for all types of California Cooperatives for over 25 years. And while cooperatives exist in many forms, providing members with benefits across economic sectors, worker cooperatives provide unparalleled opportunities for their worker owners. There is a significant information deficit in the United States about this unique corporate form, and its importance to our national security, which depends on local control of workplaces and resources. Systemic changes are needed at the federal level to adequately support these self-help business solutions; so it is great to see Rep. Ro Khanna using his position on the national stage to make worker cooperatives more understood, prevalent, and supported. We fully endorse this bill and hope it is implemented quickly,” said Therese C. Tuttle and Paola Eisner, attorneys, Tuttle Law Group

“The City of Santa Clara became the first South Bay city to have a private retail business transition to a worker cooperative back in 2017. Our City was unaware of Worker Cooperatives, and in 2019, held a full city council and staff study session. Since that time, we are proud to have created and funded a first-of-its-kind Worker Cooperative Initiative to find ways we could help our small businesses and our city. It is clear that more awareness, education, and understanding is needed. Whether to provide solutions to our retiring business owners, provide a path to ownership for workers, or to make our cities more resilient, we need more worker cooperatives. I am proud to strongly support Rep. Ro Khanna’s National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act,” said Lisa M. Gillmor, Mayor, City of Santa Clara

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) celebrates the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act inclusion of full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe, correcting a nearly 70-year injustice and delivering one of the most significant milestones in the Tribe’s modern history.

“For generations, the Lumbee people have fought for fairness and full recognition. We delivered. This long-overdue win finally honors the Lumbee Tribe’s heritage and ensures they receive the federal support and opportunities they deserve,” said Rep. Hudson.

Why it matters:

The Lumbee have sought federal recognition since the late 1800s.

Congress partially recognized the Tribe in 1956 but denied them the services and benefits granted to every other federally recognized tribe.

That mistake has shaped the last seven decades of Lumbee life, limiting access to health care, education, housing, and economic development.

What’s in the NDAA:

The bill includes the Lumbee Fairness Act, which grants full federal status and restores access to all federal programs available to other tribes.

The recognition is expected to unlock significant economic potential for the region and bring long-awaited resources to Lumbee families.

What’s next: The NDAA now heads to President Trump’s desk.

Read the full text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement after final passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law:

“As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I’m proud to deliver a defense authorization bill that puts our troops, their families, and our veterans first. This NDAA secures critical investments for our armed services and North Carolina’s military community, including tens of millions for Fort Bragg. The bill implements President Trump’s agenda, restores America’s commitment to Peace Through Strength, and ensures our Armed Forces remain the most lethal and capable in the world. From pay raises to readiness upgrades at Fort Bragg, this bill is a win for every soldier and family who sacrifices so much for our nation.”

Fort Bragg & North Carolina Wins in the FY26 NDAA

The FY26 NDAA includes major authorizations Rep. Hudson fought for on behalf of Fort Bragg and the Sandhills region, including:

• $44.7 million for upgrades at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg.
• $8.1 million for the Special Operations Forces Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) at Fort Bragg.
• $19 million for an Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course.
• $24 million for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar.
• $80 million for Power Generation and a resilient Microgrid to keep critical missions running.
• $80 million for a Special Operations Forces Mission Command Center.
• $145 million for Special Operations Forces Operational Ammunition Supply Point

Historic Win for the Lumbee Tribe

The FY26 NDAA includes the historic Lumbee Fairness Act, granting full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe and ensuring its members finally receive the same federal services and benefits as other federally recognized tribes. This is a major milestone for one of North Carolina’s largest and most deserving Indigenous communities.

In addition, provisions Rep. Hudson supported will:

• Boost investments in barracks and family housing used by soldiers and families.
• Improve access to childcare, health care, and mental health services for military families.
• Strengthen recruitment, retention, and transition programs.

National Security Wins: Implementing President Trump’s Peace Through Strength Agenda

The FY26 NDAA is a cornerstone of President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda and delivers conservative wins for America’s military, borders, and taxpayers:

• Codifies 15 Trump Executive Orders and 30 key legislative proposals to restore lethality, merit-based promotions, and accountability in the ranks, while ending left-wing ideology, wokeism, and DEI programs in the military.
• Improves quality of life for servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise, expanded bonuses and special pays, better food access, upgraded barracks and family housing, and major investments in childcare, schools, and health care for military families.
• Strengthens border security by fully funding troops and National Guard deployments to the southern border, expanding support for Border Patrol, and authorizing over $1 billion to fight drug trafficking and transnational crime.
• Fundamentally reforms the defense acquisition system, cutting red tape, prioritizing commercial solutions, speeding new technologies to the warfighter, and focusing every taxpayer dollar on capability instead of bureaucracy.
• Builds President Trump’s Golden Dome and strengthens missile defense, nuclear deterrence, and space capabilities to protect the homeland from hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missile threats.
• Revitalizes the defense industrial base by expanding U.S. production capacity, onshoring supply chains, cutting dependence on China for critical minerals and components, and growing American defense manufacturing jobs.
• Invests in shipbuilding, aircraft, and munitions, including major funding for submarines, destroyers, 6th-generation aircraft, F-35 fighters, Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters, and a robust arsenal of precision munitions.
• Counters China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and terrorist threats with a strengthened Indo-Pacific posture, support for Taiwan and key allies, tougher restrictions on adversary-linked companies, and enhanced tools to support partners on the front lines of aggression.
• Saves taxpayers nearly $20 billion by eliminating DEI activities, cutting wasteful climate programs at the Pentagon, retiring obsolete platforms, and trimming bureaucracy and inefficient contracts.

Together with President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut, the FY26 NDAA is part of a generational investment in America’s national security, our military families, and the promise of Peace Through Strength.

Read the Full Text Here

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

Today, H.R. 3383, the Incentivizing New Ventures and Economic Strength Through Capital Formation (INVEST) Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by 302 to 123. Led by House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), the INVEST Act will cut red tape in Washington, empower entrepreneurs and small businesses, and provide Americans with the opportunity to more freely invest.

Congressman Hill said, “As a former community banker in central Arkansas, I saw firsthand how outdated rules kept hardworking Arkansans from participating in private investment opportunities, how much of venture capital remains on the coasts, and how businesses struggled to tap the investment resources they needed to grow.

“As Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, one of my main priorities is to tackle those challenges and level the playing field so the American Dream is within reach for every family and community in our state and across the nation. The INVEST Act will expand investment opportunities for all Arkansans, allow families to save more for retirement, help businesses grow, and help states like Arkansas attract capital like never before.

“I am extremely proud of the bipartisan work of this committee. I commend Subcommittee Chair Ann Wagner for her tremendous leadership, and I am eager to see this legislation signed into law.”

Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, said, “In Arkansas and across the country, small businesses are the heart of our economy. The INVEST Act will give more entrepreneurs the opportunity to turn their dreams into reality and help bring more capital to the heartland of America. Thanks to Congressman Hill for his leadership on this important legislation.”

Jeff D Standridge, Managing Partner of Cardon Capital Partners, said, “As a venture fund manager in Arkansas, I see firsthand how talented entrepreneurs across the Midwest and rural America struggle to access the early-stage capital that flows so easily to the coasts. The INVEST Act finally levels that playing field. By modernizing outdated rules, expanding who can invest, and reducing the red tape that holds back small businesses, this legislation will unlock innovation, fuel job creation, and ensure that the next generation of great American companies can be built not only in Silicon Valley, but in communities like ours across Arkansas.”

Jeff Amerine, Founder & Managing Director, Startup Junkie Consulting & General Partner, Cadron Capital Partners, said, “As a nine-time serial entrepreneur and active early-stage investor with a portfolio of more than 90 investments, I am very much in favor of improving capital access in the heartland, making private company investment easier for the general public, and streamlining the IPO process.  I believe the Invest Act will go a long way toward addressing critical issues that today restrain venture growth.”

James K. Hendren, Ph. D., Chairman of The Venter Center Board, said, “The INVEST Act will significantly improve the investment options for middle America and middle-income individuals. Previous rules limited private investments to only the higher-wealth people.  Even though these investments may include some more risk, the upside opportunities are significantly increased.  Even more important is the opportunity that earlier-stage companies would have in getting funding from knowledgeable investors, which encourages and allows great growth in establishing new companies that create many new jobs.”

Background

The last major legislative effort to improve capital formation was the bipartisan JOBS Act of 2012, which successfully reduced barriers for small and emerging companies and created new pathways for growth. Since then, regulatory burdens have only grown heavier, falling hardest on smaller firms that lack the scale of Wall Street giants. These one-size-fits-all requirements discourage startups from pursuing Initial Public Offerings (IPO), push companies to remain private longer, and make it harder for local entrepreneurs to attract investment.

The INVEST Act, sponsored by Capital Markets Subcommittee Chair Ann Wagner (MO-02) and cosponsored by Representative Gregory Meeks (NY-05), will cut Washington red tape, empower small businesses and entrepreneurs, and give Americans more freedom to invest.

Why Is the INVEST Act Needed?

• Nearly all venture funding pours into just a few coastal cities, leaving job-creating entrepreneurs from across the Midwest, South, and rural America often overlooked when trying to raise capital.
• Current rules for investing in private markets are obsolete, relying on wealth instead of financial knowledge. This unfairly bars millions of Americans from investing in promising, early-stage companies.
• Public markets are shrinking: the number of U.S. public companies has fallen from 8,800 in 1997 to fewer than 4,000 today, costing jobs and limiting investment options for retirement savers.

The INVEST Act Will Expand Access to Capital for Small Businesses:

• Cuts red tape so startups and small businesses can raise capital more efficiently, increasing American competitiveness, economic growth, and job creation.
• Updates outdated investment thresholds that have prevented small companies from utilizing every available method of raising capital.
• Ensures capital reaches beyond Wall Street and Silicon Valley to entrepreneurs across the heartland.

The INVEST Act Will Increase Opportunities for Investors:

• Expands investment opportunities for Main Street investors, ensuring retirement savers – not just Wall Street insiders – share in the success of tomorrow’s leading companies.
• Modernizes the accredited investor definition so education, professional credentials, and experience – not just wealth – determine whether an individual can invest in private offerings.
• Opens up investment options for Americans by eliminating restrictions on the types of financial products available in certain retirement accounts.
• Protects seniors by increasing safeguards and resources to combat financial fraud and exploitation.

The INVEST Act Will Strengthen Our Public Markets:

• Streamlines disclosure requirements to make it faster, simpler, and more practical for companies to go and stay public.
• Gives businesses more flexibility to raise capital on competitive terms, helping them grow in America instead of overseas.
• Modernizes how companies can test the market for an initial public offering, allowing them to assess demand before incurring the full cost of going public.