Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, and Representatives Ted Lieu (CA-36), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Don Beyer (VA-08) and Yvette Clarke (NY-09) led a group of 81 total lawmakers in sending a letter to congressional leadership opposing any effort to reintroduce a moratorium on state and local artificial intelligence (AI) laws in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The lawmakers also raised strong concerns about related proposals under consideration for a presidential executive order that would undermine state authority over AI regulation.

“Earlier this year, the Senate rejected this same AI moratorium concept on an overwhelming bipartisan 99–1 vote for H.R. 1, the reconciliation bill,” wrote the lawmakers. “That vote sent a clear, bipartisan message: Congress should not freeze state and local AI safeguards, least of all when there are no meaningful federal protections in place. Trying to revive the same flawed policy in the NDAA, or through executive action, is an attempt to quietly jam through an idea that has already been rejected, as well as sidestepping public debate and bypassing the regular committee process.”

The lawmakers emphasized that these new attempts come at a moment of intensifying AI-related harms and growing bipartisan public demand for safe, trustworthy AI development. States across the country, led by both Democrats and Republicans, are actively creating common-sense guardrails to protect consumers, workers, children, and vulnerable communities. Blocking those safeguards now, while the federal government has yet to enact any comprehensive AI laws, would leave Americans exposed to escalating risks, erode public trust, and undermine U.S. competitiveness.

“This proposal is not only dangerous, but it is also unpopular,” the lawmakers continued. “The American people reject it, state leaders reject it, and experts reject it.”

“The American people want AI to be used in ways that are safe, fair, and accountable. They want innovation they can trust, not a rush to strip away all safeguards,” the lawmakers concluded.  

Congresswoman Matsui has been a leading voice in Congress against the AI moratorium. She previously led her California colleagues against the House-passed moratorium in Republicans Big Ugly Bill and later led an effort urging the Senate to strike provisions conditioning BEAD funding on state AI preemption. Today’s letter continues that work as similar proposals resurface in the NDAA and executive branch deliberations.

Full text of the letter can be found below or HERE.

Dear Speaker Johnson, Minority Leader Jeffries, Majority Leader Thune, and Minority Leader Schumer:

We write to express our strong opposition to any effort in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would reintroduce a sweeping moratorium on the ability of states and local governments to enforce their own artificial intelligence (AI) laws and regulations. Similarly, we strongly oppose related proposals under consideration for a presidential executive order that would attempt to preempt duly enacted state AI laws and coerce states, by threatening federal funding, into abandoning enforcement. 

Earlier this year, the Senate rejected this same AI moratorium concept on an overwhelming bipartisan 99-1 vote for H.R.1, the reconciliation bill. That vote sent a clear, bipartisan message: Congress should not freeze state and local AI safeguards, least of all when there are no meaningful federal protections in place. Trying to revive the same flawed policy in the NDAA, or through executive action, is an attempt to quietly jam through an idea that has already been rejected, as well as sidestepping public debate and bypassing the regular committee process.

Proponents of the ban on state AI laws claim it is necessary to protect innovation, but that gets the tradeoff exactly backwards. We strongly support innovation, and it is simply wrong to accept the premise that identifying and addressing AI-specific risks, and setting common-sense guardrails, is incompatible with U.S. leadership in AI. Clear, trusted rules unlock innovation by giving people confidence and certainty, while promoting a fair, open, and competitive playing field.

Our federal system is designed to let states serve as “laboratories of democracy,” as states are closest to the communities already experiencing AI harms—from deepfakes and targeted scams to automated systems that entrench bias, and emerging risks to kids’ online safety. If states are blocked from enforcing their own AI laws without any meaningful federal alternative in place, those harms will deepen, public trust will erode, and U.S. competitiveness will suffer.

States, led by both Democrats and Republicans, are working to find that balance.  Last year, Utah enacted its Utah Artificial Intelligence Policy Act to mandate certain disclosure requirements for entities using generative AI tools, and further updated the law this year to address mental health chatbots, showing how states can quickly adapt as new risks emerge.  And in October, California enacted a first-of-its-kind law, the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act (SB-53), establishing basic transparency and safety requirements for the largest AI companies. This law is a common-sense framework: it helps protect the public without slowing innovation or overburdening smaller developers, while recognizing the potential to align with future federal frameworks should the federal government adopt national AI standards.  Notably, leading AI companies agree this is the right direction. Anthropic endorsed SB-53. OpenAI stated the company was “pleased to see that California has created a critical path toward harmonization with the federal government.” And Meta said it “supports balanced AI regulation,” calling the law “a positive step in that direction.” 

By contrast, the federal government has yet to enact, or even seriously discuss, a single comprehensive AI safety or accountability law that would provide meaningful protections for consumers, workers, or our democracy. At the same time, we are hearing growing reports of tragic suicides encouraged by AI chatbots—like that of 16-year-old Adam Raine—and AI-induced psychosis.  Against this backdrop, it would be especially irresponsible to tell states they cannot act when there are no meaningful federal protections in place. Many states have been stepping in where the federal government has not, trying to address the documented harms that AI is causing right now in the real world.

In addition to the renewed push for an AI moratorium in the NDAA, we are deeply concerned by reports that President Trump is preparing an executive order that would directly undermine state authority over AI. Specifically, we understand that such an order could:

1. Create an AI Litigation Task Force at the Department of Justice and direct it to challenge state AI laws as unconstitutional or preempted, including by invoking the Commerce Clause and interstate commerce as a pretext; and
2. Direct federal agencies to identify so-called “onerous” state AI laws and withhold or restrict non-deployment Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funds and other discretionary federal funds unless states walk away from these critical AI protections, while urging regulators such as the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission to treat certain state safeguards as preempted.

If accurate, this would be a troubling attempt to weaponize preemption doctrine and federal funding streams to override the policy decisions of state legislatures and local governments. Such an order would represent an unprecedented, sweeping effort to strip states of their ability to regulate and protect their residents from serious AI harms. This would set a dangerous precedent. Congress should reject any attempt to codify this approach in the NDAA or other legislation and be prepared to exercise robust oversight of any such executive action.

We are equally concerned by any effort to condition critical federal programs on a state AI law moratorium. Earlier proposals to tie BEAD funds to state AI preemption were deeply misguided. Conditioning vital federal funding, authorized and appropriated by Congress, on unrelated state concessions about AI regulation would punish communities for insisting on reasonable safeguards, delay essential projects, and inject unnecessary uncertainty into programs that are supposed to be focused on closing the digital divide.

This proposal is not only dangerous, but it is also unpopular. The American people reject it, state leaders reject it, and experts reject it.

A recent Gallup survey found that 80% of U.S. adults believe the government should maintain rules for AI safety and data security—including 88% of Democrats and 79% of Republicans and independents.  In other words, there is overwhelming, bipartisan support for common-sense AI safeguards.

Opposition to an AI moratorium is also broad and bipartisan. The earlier version was publicly opposed by a wide coalition, including 40 state attorneys general, 260 state lawmakers, faith leaders, more than 130 advocacy groups, 17 Republican governors, and many child safety experts. Already, both Republican and Democratic governors, lawmakers, and stakeholders have spoken out against this new push for a federal AI moratorium. 

As you consider the NDAA, we urge you to oppose any effort to reinsert an AI moratorium barring state and local governments from enforcing their laws.

The American people want AI to be used in ways that are safe, fair, and accountable. They want innovation they can trust, not a rush to strip away all safeguards. We stand ready to work with you on robust federal legislation that meets this moment. But we cannot support efforts to silence states, undermine existing protections, or use must-pass bills like the NDAA to jam through a policy that has already been soundly rejected.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

# # #

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) along with Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Angie Craig (D-MN), introduced the Senior Savings Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize critical outreach and assistance programs under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA). The bill extends funding for five years at current levels and ensures that low-income Medicare beneficiaries continue to receive trusted, one-on-one guidance to help them understand and access the benefits they are entitled to.

MIPPA grants fund community-based organizations that provide in-person counseling, education, eligibility screening, benefit explanation, application and enrollment assistance, and outreach to promote Medicare enrollment. These services are especially important for older adults who may struggle to navigate Medicare’s complex enrollment processes—particularly lower-income seniors, people with disabilities, rural residents, caregivers, and those with limited English proficiency.

“Every senior deserves clear, trusted information about their Medicare options,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “MIPPA programs are the only source of free, unbiased information to help seniors understand their benefits and make the right decisions for their health and financial security. My bill ensures older Americans can retain access to this assistance and fully benefit from cost-saving tools like the new out-of-pocket prescription drug spending cap included in the Inflation Reduction Act. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to protect and strengthen these vital programs.”

“For years, MIPPA programs have been a lifeline for low-income older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers-helping them save money, access essential medications, and get the care they deserve. Reauthorizing this funding is not just good policy; it is a commitment to protecting the dignity, health, and financial security of some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Congressman Bilirakis.  “The Senior Savings Protection Act ensures these vital services remain available and accessible, and I’m honored to help lead this effort on behalf of the communities who depend on them.”

“Every senior deserves clear, unbiased guidance when navigating their Medicare benefits. The Senior Savings Protection Act would help older Americans access the trusted support they need to make informed decisions about their care and to get help lowering their costs,” said Congresswoman DelBene. “By reauthorizing these outreach programs, we’re helping seniors gain resources on how to lower costs, understand their Medicare options, avoid predatory misinformation, & fully access the benefits they’ve earned.”

“I join my colleagues in introducing the Senior Savings Protection Act to ensure low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities can easily access information on the programs that help make Medicare more affordable,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “More than 240,000 New Yorkers used these services last year, and this bill ensures these vital resources remain available for those who need them most.”

“Every senior should have the information and support they need to access their earned Medicare benefits, and that’s why it’s critical that existing outreach and enrollment resources are extended,” said Congresswoman Craig. “I’m proud to be introducing the Senior Savings Protection Act to improve health outcomes and ensure that our nation’s seniors can access the affordable care they are owed.”

The legislation is endorsed by the National Council on Aging and AARP.

“With millions of older Americans on fixed incomes struggling to afford food and rent, it’s more important than ever to enroll those who are eligible into the programs that help pay for Medicare premiums and copays,” said NCOA President & CEO, Ramsey Alwin. “Reauthorizing the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) for 5 years will provide stable funding to enable community-based organizations across the country to continue their critical work of finding and enrolling people into these benefits that help them stay healthy, in their communities, and out of hospitals. While much progress has been made, we know that almost 5.8 million older adults are eligible for but not enrolled in the Medicare Savings Programs alone.”

Since 2008, MIPPA grants have helped states, tribes, and community partners reach more than one million low-income Medicare beneficiaries with direct counseling and outreach. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) administers the grants through State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), and Aging & Disability Resource Centers/No Wrong Door Systems (ADRC/NWD), as well as tribal organizations.

Funding Reauthorized Through FY 2030:

• State Health Insurance Programs (SHIPs): $15 million
• Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): $15 million
• Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): $5 million
• National Coordination & Outreach: $15 million

Congresswoman Matsui has long championed efforts to strengthen Medicare, support seniors, and ensure older Americans can age with dignity. She co-chairs the House Democratic Task Force on Aging and Families. 

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

# # #

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

Washington, D.C. – The Co-Chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko, the Chair of the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Rep. Brad Schneider, and the Deputy Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Rep. Ilhan Omar, released the following statement in response to the current status of permitting reform negotiations in Congress. 

“The members of our respective caucuses hold diverse views of how Congress should improve the energy infrastructure permitting process; however, as leaders of these caucuses, we are unified in our belief that the current actions of the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are blocking us from engaging in good faith, bipartisan permitting reform negotiations.

 “Any serious permitting reform package must address – as a threshold matter – the Trump Administration’s active undermining of America’s clean energy industry by using every tool it can find to slow or block projects. The Administration regularly does not follow existing law, including revoking duly issued permits, rescinding previously-awarded grants, and issuing stop work orders on projects well under construction. Over the past 10 months, we have heard outcries over the Administration’s actions from state governments, businesses, and workers responsible for building critical clean energy projects to address growing electricity demand while improving the reliability and affordability of our energy system, but our Republican colleagues in Congress have remained largely silent in the face of the Trump Administration’s abuses. 

“Ensuring that clean energy projects are treated fairly and can move forward where appropriate is the prerequisite for serious, practical negotiations on a reform package capable of meeting the nation’s energy needs. Additionally, to be comfortable with any sort of agreement, we need to be able to trust that this Administration is going to follow the law that we write.

“We are prepared to engage in and support good-faith negotiations, but meaningful negotiations require a shared, bipartisan commitment to enabling the deployment of clean energy resources that are currently being targeted by the Trump Administration. The legislation must affirmatively end the scorched-earth attacks on clean energy, restore permitting integrity for projects that have been unfairly targeted, and ensure fairness and neutrality going forward. Without that foundation, permitting reform cannot succeed in the end goal of delivering affordable and reliable energy that Americans expect.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s All In with Chris Hayes, where he reiterated that while Republicans have failed to deliver on their promise to lower costs on day one, Democrats are fighting to bring down the cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system and clean up corruption.

CHRIS HAYES: And joining me now is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Obviously, Congressman, it’s too early to say anything definitively, but what do you think about the run-up to this race, given the intensely unfavorable terrain it’s being contested on for the Democratic Party, and the amount of resources that the Republican Party put into it?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good evening, Chris. Great to be with you. And I think intensely unfavorable terrain would be a very generous description of the hostility that the Democratic candidate faces deep in Trump country in the heart of Tennessee, right? A very red part of America, with Republicans, as you’ve pointed out, having spent millions of dollars to hold on to a seat that Donald Trump just won by 22 points. So the fact that this is even a close race, potentially a single-digit race, whatever the outcome, in and of itself is extraordinary and reinforces the point that Republicans are on the run because they’ve been complete and total failures, and the American people know it. And Democrats are continuing to lean in to the fact that we want to solve real problems for the American people, drive down the high cost of living, deal with the affordability crisis and certainly fix our broken healthcare system.

CHRIS HAYES: I want to ask you about the healthcare system, but since you mentioned affordability, I want to play you what the President said about the word affordability, that it’s a scam, I guess, concocted by Democrats. Take a listen.

VIDEO OF PRESIDENT TRUMP: There’s this fake narrative that the Democrats talk about affordability. They just say the word. It doesn’t mean anything to anybody. You just say it…The word affordability is a Democrat scam.

CHRIS HAYES: I imagine you disagree, but what do you mean by that word when you say it?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, Donald Trump’s whole life is a scam. The Trump administration is a scam, and certainly the so-called House Republican majority is a scam. These people promised that they were going to lower costs on day one, right? They provided the measuring stick. They made that promise to the American people. And of course, costs aren’t going down, costs are going up. The Trump tariffs are creating a crisis in affordability. Thousands of dollars in additional expense for everyday Americans in terms of goods and groceries. We know that housing costs are through the roof, electricity bills are skyrocketing and now, because of the Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, tens of millions of Americans are about to experience dramatically-increased healthcare costs. And what does that mean? In some cases, $1,000 or $2,000 per month. And as you know, Chris, these are working-class Americans, the average income around $63,000 per year. This will make healthcare unaffordable. People will be unable to see a doctor when they need one.

CHRIS HAYES: There was some discussion about, after the shutdown resolved, would there be some path forward on extending those subsidies? There’s, I think, about 12 Republican Members who are gonna be in very competitive districts, who all right now are looking at these results in Tennessee. I guarantee you they have them up on their phone, and they’re looking at them right now, talking about, well, we need to. They wrote a letter to Mike Johnson. We gotta extend them. You see there, that’s the latest there, Aftyn Behn up by eight points of 41% in. We’re gonna keep our eyes on that. That seems to have petered now. Like, what is the status of that? Is there any motion on the House side at least to extend these subsidies?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, on the House side, of course, House Democrats have introduced a discharge petition. We now have 213 signatures, which basically means we just need a handful of these House Republicans, these so-called moderate Republicans, who spent months claiming that as soon as the Trump shutdown ended, they were prepared to work together with us to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, but we’ve heard nothing from them over the last several weeks. And it appears that they just talked to talk, but are unwilling to walk the walk. We’re gonna continue to keep the pressure on them because the clock is ticking, and it’s a very real crisis that the American people are gonna face. And as you know, the majority of states that will be most adversely impacted are Republican-run states. We’re talking about states like West Virginia, Wyoming, Alaska, Mississippi and Tennessee, it turns out, that will be impacted if Republicans refuse to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. And so, we’ll see some action potentially in the Senate next week. We’re gonna continue to press the case to force an up-or-down vote on a straight three-year extension in the House. And we’re in this fight until we win this fight on behalf of the American people.

CHRIS HAYES: I wanna ask you about the story we were covering in the earlier blocks, the reporting about that second strike on the survivors of an initial strike of a boat in the Caribbean. What do you want to see? The Senate is—has talked about conducting oversight, including Roger Wicker, who’s the Chair of Armed Services there. There’s been a few Republican House Members who’ve expressed their misgivings or concerns. What do you think should be happening in the House?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Chairman Mike Rogers of the Armed Services Committee in the House has jointly indicated with Adam Smith, the once and future Chairman of the Armed Services Committee on the Democratic side, that there will be a investigation into potential illegality as it relates to the strikes that were ordered, that clearly the so-called Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, the most unqualified Secretary of Defense in American history, had knowledge of and was a part of. And that investigation is going to reveal some interesting things. It’s clear that Donald Trump and Hegseth are trying to throw the Admiral under the bus. And we’re not going to allow them to get away from that. It’s a cowardly act, and we’re going to follow this investigation as far as it needs to go. And hopefully, our Republican colleagues won’t continue to behave like sycophants and will start acting like a separate and coequal branch of government to serve as a check and balance on an out-of-control Secretary of Defense and an out-of-control executive branch.

CHRIS HAYES: Do you agree with those who have said if the facts as reported, and it seems to me now basically uncontested, about that second strike are true, it is a war crime?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, if the facts appear to be as has been presented, I think there’s no doubt that it’s a war crime. It’s a violation of U.S. law and a violation of international law at the same time, and there have got to be serious consequences for all involved.

CHRIS HAYES: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you for your time tonight.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Full interview can be watched here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Tonight, Speaker Johnson hosted the 2025 Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Nevada fourth grader and winner of the Capitol Christmas Tree essay contest, Grady Armstrong, helped light the 53-foot Red Fir, harvested from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and affectionately known as ‘Silver Belle.’

The Speaker was joined by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, Architect of the Capitol Tom Austin, USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore, and members of the Nevada congressional delegation.

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here

Speaker Johnson delivered the following remarks at the ceremony:

Well, thank you all so much. It is always hard to follow Secretary Brooke Rollins, so thank you for being here — glad that you could make it. And we first, of course, want to thank Chief Schultz and Mr. Austin for making this night possible, as well as the man who did journey across the country to bring this beautiful tree to the Capitol. His name is Michael Porter, and I would ask you to stand, but it’s so dark we can’t even see where you are. But, Michael, thank you for that heroic effort.

Thanks also to the entire Nevada delegation. We’re grateful to you for sharing a piece of your home state for all the nation to enjoy. And right on cue, we have sirens to alert us to all this. For my friends from Nevada, we are shaking — we’re from Louisiana. Some people pronounce it Lose-iana. So we always say Nuh-vada, and now it’s supposed to be Nevada. Just forgive us, forgive us. We’re trying to get it right, okay?

We’re really glad you made it, all of you, and the weather really is beautiful for this evening. I know for all of us, Christmastime is a season of light and hope and renewal. This time invites us to pause and reflect on the many blessings that God has bestowed upon our lives and upon this great nation.

And tonight offers one of those rare moments where we can gather together and take stock of all those blessings.

Now behind me stands the great state of Nevada’s very first Capitol Christmas Tree, as we’ve all heard. It stands at a proud 53 feet. And even in this dark season, this tree shines bright — not from just one light, but from thousands shining together.

And in much the same way, the strength of our nation is found in the individual, in the small towns and neighborhoods, in places like Elko and Incline Village and Henderson and Virginia City. But all of us know that America, not unlike this tree, is strongest when we stand together as one nation under God, and we can never forget that.

We also know that great trees take generations to grow. Red firs like this one require the right conditions and decades of careful tending to rise to their full majesty. And so too with this great republic of ours.

Like the fir, the work of preserving this grand experiment in self-governance is also generational, and it falls to us to steward and protect it so that our children may inherit all the blessings that we enjoy today.

So next year, as we look ahead, we’ll be celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday, and we want to remember that sacred responsibility and to renew our commitment to this essential task that we have together.

Christmas is a fitting time to do just that — to look beyond our material blessings and to lift our gaze on high, just as the wise men once did on their journey to Bethlehem.

As we approach the end here, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas from our family to yours. And I know that we look forward to this time every year. It is about 20 degrees warmer than it was last year with a brisk wind, so you’re blessed — we all are.

And I now have the privilege of inviting the man of the hour we have heard so much about. He’s far more qualified than I to light this magnificent tree, and I’m going to ask him to join us up here. Grady, will you come up? Grady Armstrong comes here all the way from Virginia City, as you heard.

This is his first trip to Washington, D.C. He’s nine years old. He is a gifted young writer. He won this year’s Capitol Christmas Tree essay contest among the hundreds of participants, as we heard.

I’m also told — and this is not hyperbole, okay — what went into this essay was literal blood, sweat, and tears. Isn’t that true? Grady, I heard you cut your pinky while writing this. So, we want to thank you for your sacrifice, young man, and for your great talent that you’re sharing with us. And I can assure everyone, his painstaking work was well worth our wait.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Pressley Introduces Amendment to Incorporate Her Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act into Bipartisan Bill Led by Oversight Chair and Ranking Member

WASHINGTON – Today, in a House Oversight Committee markup, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) introduced an amendment to provide back pay for the thousands of federal contract workers who were furloughed and missed paychecks during the Republican federal government shutdown. Unlike federal employees, the thousands of federal contract workers—including janitorial, food, and security services workers—have no assurances that they will receive back pay to make up for their loss of hours and pay during a shutdown.

Congresswoman Pressley’s amendment would incorporate her Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act into the Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act – bipartisan legislation led by Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Chairman James Comer. Pressley introduced the legislation in the 119^th Congress in October during the government shutdown and has championed the bill since 2019 alongside Senator Tina Smith (D-MN).

A transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks during the markup today is available below, and the video is available here. Text of the Congresswoman’s amendment is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Urban Canals

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the Urban Canal Modernization Act alongside Reps. Mike Simpson (R-ID), Adam Gray (D-CA), and Russ Fulcher (R-ID) to help the Bureau of Reclamation repair urban canals of concern. 

“Urban canal maintenance is an issue across the country, but especially in Grant County, Washington,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The Bureau of Reclamation’s canals are in dire need of repairs, and the surrounding communities who rely on them would be at risk if they were to fail. This legislation gives local authorities additional resources to manage these critical pieces of infrastructure while protecting the people and property around canals of concern. I strongly support this bill and thank Rep. Simpson for again leading this important effort.” 

Rep. Simpson said, “We must address urban canal repairs to protect Idahoans and Westerners’ way of life. The substantial urban growth around irrigation canals has created challenges and poses a threat to communities nearby. It’s well past time we act on these concerns. The Urban Canal Modernization Act does just that by maintaining safety, expanding accessibility, and providing additional tools to ensure these crucial repairs get completed.” 

Rep. Gray said, “While California’s population has more than doubled since the mid-20th century, our water capacity hasn’t expanded to meet the needs of our communities. The federal government must invest in our existing water systems to reduce costs on water users and our farmers. The bipartisan Urban Canal Modernization Act would rebuild crumbling, outdated water infrastructure in the Valley to bring us into the 21st century.” 

Rep. Fulcher said, “Urban canals are vital to agricultural, irrigation, and the water needs of our communities. Yet much of this critical infrastructure—some of it more than a century old—is in urgent need of repair. The Urban Canals Modernization Act is a common-sense solution to help address these challenges and ensure our canals in Idaho and across the country get the updates they need. I am proud to be a primary co-sponsor.” 

This legislation allows the Bureau of Reclamation to authorize a 35 percent non-reimbursable cost share to help repair and rehabilitate urban canals through areas that would cause significant property damage or possible loss of life if the canal were to fail.

See full bill text here.  

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

WASHINGTON—Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), and Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, have introduced a War Powers Resolution to block the Trump administration from engaging in hostilities within or against Venezuela absent congressional authorization.

The introduction of the resolution follows President Trump’s recent social media declaration that the airspace “above and surrounding Venezuela” should be treated as “closed in its entirety.” Administration officials hve not publicly detailed any formal policy or legal basis for such a step, which many legal experts say could be interpreted as a hostile act under international law. The sponsors of the resolution say this escalation—including the significant augmentation of U.S. armed forces assets, personnel, and operations in proximity to Venezuela and statements from U.S. officials regarding planning for ground strikes within Venezuela—shows why Congress must urgently reassert its constitutional role.

“Donald Trump claimed he would put America first—instead he’s trying to drag us into an illegal war in Venezuela,” said Rep.McGovern. “Whatever this is about, it has nothing to do with stopping drugs. Trump just pardoned the former President of Honduras who was convicted of sending cocaine to the U.S. And last year he pardoned a guy who brought fentanyl in from China via the dark web. To me, this appears to be all about creating a pretext for regime change. And I believe Congress has a duty to step in and assert our constitutional authority. No more illegal boat strikes, and no unauthorized war in Venezuela.”

“The Constitution does not permit the executive branch to unilaterally commit an act of war against a sovereign nation that hasn’t attacked the United States,” said Rep. Massie. “Congress has the sole power to declare war against Venezuela. Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.”

“President Trump has undermined our alliances in the Western Hemisphere, openly interfered in elections, conducted illegal strikes on boats in the Caribbean, and threatened foreign military intervention. He has put our country at the brink of a war with Venezuela without a debate or vote in the Congress,” said Rep. Castro. “This resolution will ensure that every member of the House is on the record about sending service members to a war that Americans do not want.”

The Trump administration has not requested authorization for use of military force against Venezuela, and still has not provided a credible justification for the unauthorized military strikes it has carried out on vessels in the region, actions that have resulted in the extrajudicial killing of dozens of people. Nor has the administration shown why these boats could not have been interdicted and investigated, or why the individuals on board could not have been brought to justice rather than targeted and killed without due process.

Introduced pursuant to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the measure is privileged and should receive consideration in the House.McGovern, Massie and Castro stressed that their goal is to force a debate and a vote before any further escalation.

Additional cosponsors include Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA).

A full text of the resolution can be found here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today requested detailed updates from CoreCivic on medical staffing levels, access-to-care protocols, and measures to ensure timely medication access at the Farmville Detention Center. The request follows an August 8, 2025 oversight visit that highlighted a significant need for increased medical staffing amid prolonged delays in access to care and medication, emphasizing ongoing concerns over the facility’s troubling pattern of substandard medical and safety standards. CoreCivic, which assumed operations of the Farmville facility from Abyon LLC in June 2025, had indicated plans to invest in upgrades, including a transition to electronic health records.

In a letter addressed to President and Chief Operating Officer at CoreCivic, Beyer wrote:

“Dear Mr. Swindle:

I am writing to follow up on my oversight visit to Farmville Detention Center on August 8, 2025 to ensure that the facility has increased medical personnel on staff and has updated protocols to allow for immediate access to medical staff.

When I visited in August, CoreCivic had recently taken over the Farmville Detention Center contract from Abyon LLC and had expressed plans in both news reporting and to me about investing in upgrades to the facility. At the time of the visit, it was clear that the medical staff were overwhelmed, could not relay to us the amount of medical staff that were employed by the facility, and that requests for medical attention were not met in a timely fashion, with some detainees waiting days for simple requests like medication for a headache (at which point such request would likely be moot). I understood that the facility was changing electronic health records and pharmacies as a result of the contract change, but the circumstances we witnessed could not simply be explained away by those stresses, and it was evident that the facility needed increased personnel and updated standards to meet the humanitarian standards required by law.

Farmville Detention Center has a history of failing to meet medical standards. In January 2021, a DHS audit of the Detention Center found various standards at the facility were not met, including access to emergency medical and mental health services. That was found again to be a standard that was unmet in a September 2023 audit. Due to the systemic nature of the issue when Farmville was under the management of Immigration Centers of America, I wrote to ICE after Abyon LLC took over the contract in March of 2024 to inquire about what improvements were being made in the new contract. Specifically, I inquired about what improvements were being made to health and safety standards so that issues like medical neglect would not continue and access to emergency medical and mental health services would improve.

I was therefore concerned to hear that these issues were still apparent upon my visit in August. My team and I had to personally intervene in a medication access case, which despite repeated phone and email communications, was only resolved after my in-person visit and confirmation with the detainee that it had not been resolved, despite communication to me otherwise.

Now that sufficient time has passed for any natural hiccups in a contract switch over to be addressed, I am writing to request an update on the staffing at the facility and protocols on access to medical care. Specifically, I request the following information:

1. How many medical staff were employed by Abyon LLC as of May 2025? How many medical staff are currently employed by CoreCivic as of November 2025? Please indicate the number and their professional title.
2. Are there plans to hire more medical personnel? Please elaborate in detail and include hiring timelines.
3. What protocols are in place to ensure that detainees can meet with a medical provider or receive access to their medication in a time-sensitive manner? Please describe the current protocol, and if there have been any changes since my oversight visit. If yes, indicate what they were.
4. Please indicate if there have been any updates to mental health access protocols specifically. Please describe the current protocol, and if there have been any changes since my oversight visit. If yes, indicate what they were.

As you know, Congress passed legislation in July that provided $170 billion for immigration and border enforcement, including funding specifically allocated for detention and deportation operations. Therefore, CoreCivic should have sufficient access to resources to make upgrades and hire the staff needed to ensure the facility can meet the requisite medical and safety standards.

Please provide a response to my questions in this letter no later than December 16, 2025. I look forward to hearing from you.”

A signed copy of the letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT-04) introduced the Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act to authorize $50 million in funding each year to improve transportation infrastructure in the cities hosting next year’s—and future—Olympic and World Cup games.

“USMNT’s success on the field is inevitable, and this bipartisan bill makes sure the United States succeeds off the field, too,” Rep. Larsen said. “The World Cup needs world-class infrastructure to ensure teams and their fans can safely travel to and from every game. That’s why we’re unlocking millions of dollars in funding for host cities—like Seattle in my home state—to improve their transportation infrastructure before the opening whistle.”

“As the host of the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Utah knows how to welcome the world, and we’re gearing up to do it again in 2034,” Rep. Owens said. “I’m proud to be Utah’s top advocate on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and to co-lead this effort to give host cities across America the dependable federal partner they need while preparing to host major international sporting events like the Olympics and World Cup. This support strengthens transportation planning, boosts local collaboration, and ensures the United States is ready to shine on the global stage.”

Legislation Background

Funds authorized by this legislation can be used to help host cities prepare their transit routes, roads, sidewalks and other transportation infrastructure for multiday international sporting events, including the FIFA Women’s and Men’s World Cups, the Olympics, Paralympics and Special Olympics. Hosting a single World Cup match can cost cities roughly $100 to $200 million. Under this legislation, cities would be eligible for up to $10 million per event per year. To learn more, click here.

This legislation is a House companion to the identically named bill introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

World Cup Background

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Seventy-eight games will be played in the United States across 11 host cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area. For the 2022 World Cup, Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) estimated its television viewership at 2.7 billion people.

This Friday, December 5th, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will host the FIFA 2026 World Cup Final Draw in Washington, D.C.

For more information about the 2026 World Cup, click here.

###