Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Congresswoman’s constituent, Luke Graziani, who worked at a local VA hospital, will be her guest to stand against mass terminations of federal employees

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), released the following statement on the firing of weather forecasters and other employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

“Once again, the reckless Trump Administration is inflicting tremendous harm upon the American people. Today, hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including weather forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS), were given termination notices for no good reason. This is unconscionable. These are dedicated, hardworking Americans whose efforts help save lives and property from the devastating impacts of natural disasters across the country. This action will only endanger American lives going forward.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON- Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ):
 
“I am devastated by the passing of my dear friend and longtime colleague, Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Raúl fought a courageous battle against cancer, and his loss leaves a void in Congress and the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
 
“For over two decades, I had the honor of serving alongside Raúl in the House. He led the charge on so many fights for justice, for the environment, and for the most vulnerable among us. As Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, Raúl was a fearless champion in the battle against climate change. He always centered the voices of frontline communities and demanded accountability from corporate polluters. He worked tirelessly to secure historic investments in climate action and environmental justice, and the positive impact of his work will endure for generations.
 
“Raúl was deeply committed to the people of Puerto Rico. His leadership was essential in passing the Puerto Rico Status Act, working tirelessly to bring together voices from all sides to find common ground on the island’s future. With a steady hand and a deep respect for self-determination, he helped push the conversation forward when it mattered most.

“Above all, Raúl was my friend. His kindness and humor made him a joy to know. He believed in treating all people with dignity and respect. His legacy will continue to inspire us to fight for a better, fairer, and more just world.
 
“My heart is with Raúl’s family, his staff, the people of Arizona, and all who mourn his passing. May he rest in peace.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement after the implementation of President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico:
 
“Trump’s tariffs are nothing more than a tax hike on hardworking families and small businesses. Instead of fighting inflation, this policy will drive up costs for the American people while hurting the economy.  
 
“Today’s broad, senseless tariffs will increase costs by an estimated $800 in 2025 alone. The burden will fall the heaviest on lower-income families, who already spend a greater share of their income on goods more susceptible to tariffs.
 
“And the damage won’t stop there. Trump’s tariffs will move the dream of homeownership further away for millions of Americans. With 70% of the United States’ lumber and gypsum imports coming from Canada and Mexico, construction costs will rise, further squeezing potential homeowners. Small businesses, already struggling with supply chain challenges, will be forced to either absorb rising costs or pass them on to customers.
 
“Democrats have been fighting to protect families and small businesses from these destructive policies. We believe that strengthening domestic manufacturing and building resilient supply chains cannot come at the cost of punishing consumers.
 
“Unlike Trump’s misguided tariffs, which act as an indirect tax on American households, Democrats have delivered real solutions. The Inflation Reduction Act has lowered energy and healthcare costs, while the CHIPS and Science Act is revitalizing American manufacturing and reducing reliance on volatile foreign markets. Unlike Trump’s tariff-driven tax hikes, Democrats are committed to economic policies that put working families and small businesses first.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced that Denise Gutierrez Robles will be her guest to tonight’s Joint Address to Congress by President Trump.
 
Denise Gutierrez Robles, originally from El Salvador and a longtime New York resident, is a passionate advocate for transgender and immigrant communities. She serves as the Program Manager for the Transgender Family Program at Community Healthcare Network (CHN) in Brooklyn, where she has spent the past five years working to expand access to inclusive healthcare, legal services, mental health support, and other essential resources for transgender individuals. CHN provides critical healthcare services to many patients who rely on Medicaid, making its work especially vital as the Trump administration threatens to cut the program.
 
“At a time when the Trump administration is attacking Medicaid and targeting the transgender community, voices like Denise’s are more important than ever,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Her tireless work ensures that transgender individuals of all backgrounds have access to the care and support they deserve. I’m honored to have her as my guest so we can send a clear message: this administration must keep their hands off Medicaid and respect the rights of trans Americans.”
 
Denise’s advocacy began in 2014 with LGBTQ+ organizations in Long Island, focusing on empowerment and expanding opportunities for the transgender community. Her passion for inclusion, education, and equality continues to drive her work today.
 
Congresswoman Velázquez has been raising the alarm about the Trump administration’s plans to cut Medicaid and has been pushing back against its attacks on the transgender community. She has long fought to protect healthcare access for all and continues to advocate for policies that ensure transgender individuals can live freely and with dignity.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

WASHINGTON— Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced a resolution to designate February 28, 2025, as Community Arts Education Day to highlight the vital role of the arts in education and community development.
 
The resolution raises awareness of how community arts education in forms such as dance, music, theater, and literary arts enhances learning, inspires activism, and strengthens communities. It also underscores the need for continued federal support for the arts, particularly as proposed cuts by the Trump administration threaten these essential programs.
 
“Community arts education is a powerful tool for self-expression and cultural awareness,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “For many, it provides a space to understand and navigate the world around them. This resolution affirms the importance of these programs in fostering inclusivity and equipping individuals with the skills they need to succeed in school, work, and beyond.”
 
This resolution is cosponsored by Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL).
 
The National Guild for Community Arts Education is proud to collaborate with Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez’s office in reintroducing this critical resolution. Investing in community arts education is an investment in our future, ensuring that creativity, culture, and community-driven learning remain essential pillars of our society. At a time when the arts are increasingly marginalized, this resolution serves as a call to action to sustain and strengthen arts education for generations to come. We hope it garners the support needed to uplift the profession and empower the next wave of artists, educators, and cultural leaders,” says Dr. Quanice G. Floyd, Executive Director, National Guild for Community Arts Education. 
 
For a full copy of the resolution, click here.
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus, released the following statement on the joint memorandum issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers (USACE) on implementation of the Waters of the United States rule, known as WOTUS. Under the memorandum, EPA and USACE will work collaboratively to solicit stakeholder input toward a new WOTUS rule designed to provide needed clarity and reduce permitting barriers while ensuring EPA fulfills its mandate to protect navigable American waters.

“This is a great step toward putting WOTUS abuse to bed. The EPA has threatened property rights and livelihoods of rural Americans with bureaucratic overreach for far too long. The Biden administration’s failure to appropriately comply with the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling or seek public input has only perpetuated uncertainty. EPA regulations must never put undue burdens on American farmers, ranchers, and small businesses and should properly reflect congressional intent in the Clean Water Act.”

BACKGROUND:
Read more about Smith’s efforts to stop WOTUS implementation here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a historic set of actions to unleash American energy including reconsideration of the tailpipe emissions rule which effectively mandated consumer adoption of electric vehicles and the so-called “Clean Power Plan 2.0” on power plant production. 

“I appreciate President Trump and Administrator Zeldin’s bold and decisive action to rollback barriers to American energy abundance. The Biden administration’s EV mandate was unworkable for Americans living in rural areas like those in the Third District and promised to make us more dependent on supply chains controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Those hurt the most by these misguided, job-killing policies are typically the ones who can afford it least. Options, not mandates, bring the best outcomes.

“The Biden administration’s crushing power plant rules not only undermined grid reliability, they threatened our economic growth. Nearly half of Nebraska’s electricity comes from coal, including the power supplying our EV charging stations. Innovation is fueled by abundance. The Biden-Harris war on affordable energy is over.”

BACKGROUND:

Rep. Smith has repeatedly spoken out against EPA policies harmful to energy consumers and producers. In February 2024, he sent a letter with a bicameral group of lawmakers urging President Biden to reject the EPA’s unworkable tailpipe rule.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today, in recognition of National Agriculture Trade Day, Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) joined fellow Agricultural Trade Caucus co-chairs Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to announce introduction of a resolution expressing a renewed commitment to supporting market access, robust trade enforcement, elimination of trade barriers, trade promotion programs, comprehensive agreements, and the pursuit of science-based standards in U.S. trade engagements.

“Over the last four years, American farmers and ranchers lost ground in international markets, moving from an agriculture trade surplus to a record trade deficit,” said Rep. Smith. “The U.S. must drive an aggressive agenda to level the playing field and ensure our hardworking producers, who have the capacity to meet demand, can sell their products globally. Through negotiation of USMCA and other advancements on trade in his first term, President Trump showed an ability to overcome trade barriers by working in consultation with Congress to increase market access. This resolution calls for similar efforts to ensure American agriculture has a place at the table as we craft trade policy.”

“Agriculture is the backbone of America and an essential part of our economy,” said Rep. Johnson. “South Dakota is no stranger to the agriculture way of life and the importance of ag trade. I’m proud to partner with the Ag Trade Caucus to highlight the value of ag trade for our country and our farming and ranching families and communities.”

“This bipartisan resolution emphasizes the vital role of ag trade, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley, where agriculture is at the heart of our economy. We must ensure that farmers have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, while also building a sustainable food supply chain that will continue to feed future generations,” said Rep. Costa. 

“Producers in California’s 19th Congressional District and across the country are facing growing trade barriers, declining exports, and the loss of hard-earned global market share,” said Rep. Panetta. “That’s why, as co-chair of the Ag Trade Caucus, my colleagues and I are introducing this bipartisan resolution to push Congress and the administration to urgently pursue policies that open markets and enforce trade commitments.  By working together, we can protect our producers, support rural communities, and ensure the United States remains a global leader in feeding the world.”

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Jim Costa (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Don Bacon (R-NE), Josh Harder (D-CA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Max Miller (R-OH), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Stanford Bishop (D-GA), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), and Bennie Thompson (D-MS).

Read the full resolution here.

The Resolution is supported by: American Farm Bureau Federation, National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, American Soybean Association, Corn Refiners Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, Meat Institute, National Pork Producers Council, Meat Import Council of America, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, Sweetener Users Association, USA Rice, American Feed Industry Association, Leather & Hide Council of America, Independent Bakers Association, Food Export-Midwest & Food Export-Northeast, North American Export Grain Association, California League of Food Producers

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) introduced the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, legislation extending a 30 percent investment tax credit (ITC) to American hydroelectric investments to improve power production, provide environmental benefits, or remove outdated dam infrastructure through 2031.

The members released the following statements:

“The ability to harness the power of moving water has paid tremendous dividends for Nebraska’s economy and many other regions of the country,” said Rep. Smith “To meet growing energy demands for the future, we must capitalize on the benefit of sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy sources like hydroelectricity. This legislation will promote development of hydropower and appropriate stewardship of our water resources. I thank my colleagues for joining me to reintroduce this important bill.”

“Washington is a leader in harnessing hydropower to provide reliable and affordable clean energy. This legislation builds on that progress by creating new incentives to improve dam safety, protect fish habitats, and enhance grid resilience. These changes will help Washington families save on energy costs while advancing our commitment to a cleaner future,” said Rep. DelBene.

“Hydropower is a powerful bridge between America’s energy past and its clean energy future. This bipartisan bill ensures we maximize its potential—investing in modern infrastructure, strengthening grid security, and restoring vital waterways. By pairing innovation with environmental responsibility, we are building a more resilient and sustainable energy system for generations to come,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

“Hydropower is the largest source of electricity in Washington state, comprising 67% of the energy generation mix. It’s important we invest in the safety of this reliable, affordable resource to achieve our emissions goals while restoring river health and safe passage for salmon and steelhead populations,” said Rep. Schrier.  “This legislation will incentivize safer hydroelectric energy production while also enhancing aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and public use upgrades.”

“Hydropower is at the heart of lowering energy costs for hardworking Granite Staters and making America the world’s clean energy superpower,” said Rep. Goodlander. “I’m proud to be working to get this important bipartisan legislation across the finish line.”

For text of the legislation click here.

Currently, the ITC covering hydropower only applies to investments that produce a marginal increase in power generation. Vital environmental and maintenance investments such as new fish passage to help enhance aquatic ecosystems, structural upgrades to ensure the safety of dams, and generator rewinds to improve grid resiliency that do not result in power increases are not currently eligible for this credit. With many decades-old hydroelectric dams facing costly upgrades to continue operating safely and economically, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025 bridges the gap in current law. Examples of eligible investments include adding fish-friendly turbines or new fish ladders, managing river sediments to improve habitat, upgrading or replacing floodgates and spillways, and expanding access to public waterways impacted by existing dams.

The bipartisan bill would also support local efforts to remove non-power producing river barriers, including abandoned or obsolete dams, dikes, or embankments, allowing those rivers to run free and naturally once again. Private, state, local, and non-profit groups could use the 30 percent federal tax incentive, with a direct pay option, to support efforts to demolish and remove unnecessary barriers with the owner’s consent. Removing obsolete river obstructions that no longer meet their intended purpose nor benefit society can provide new outdoor recreation opportunities, create new fish and wildlife habitat, spur local economic development, and increase the resilience of rivers.

Industry leaders shared the following statements in support of the legislation:

“Our District sincerely thanks Congressman Adrian Smith for introducing the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration act,” said Kyle Shepherd, President of the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District Board. “Lake McConaughy is one of Nebraska’s most vital pieces of water infrastructure, and this bill can help provide the necessary resources to maintain Kingsley Dam and ensure its safe operation far into the future for Nebraska and its people.”

“Hydropower is well-positioned to help America meet our bold energy goals — with the right federal support. America’s first electricity resource is reliable, dependable, domestically-sourced, and capable of bolstering our grid at a moment’s notice, but a lack of investment in these “forever assets” threatens those capabilities. NHA is proud to support this bipartisan legislation because we know that it will help preserve this critical resource at a time when America needs every megawatt to power our continued prosperity,” said Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO, National Hydropower Association.

“We support this bipartisan legislation which aligns well with President Trump’s previous comments on the importance of clean water. Rivers are the lifeblood of our nation, providing drinking water, sanitation, power generation, and the transport of millions of tons of American industrial and agricultural products. Hydropower plays a special role in safeguarding our waters and this legislation will help in that regard,” said Jeff Kupfer, President, ConservAmerica.

“We support legislation that incentivizes the removal of dams that no longer serve a beneficial purpose, while also promoting essential investments in fish passage, dam safety, public access to waterways, and overall river health improvements where dams continue to impact rivers,” said Thomas O’Keefe, Pacific Northwest Stewardship Director, American Whitewater.

“We applaud the bipartisan leadership behind this timely bill, which promotes dam safety and advances river restoration. This legislation is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between conservation groups and the hydropower industry to find common-sense solutions that benefit both river ecosystems and renewable energy generation while also lowering costs for consumers. We look forward to working with Congress to get this critical legislation across the finish line and enacted into law,” said Tom Kiernan, President, and CEO of American Rivers.

“We applaud the bipartisan leadership for this bill that provides critical incentives that will enable hydropower to invest in new energy generation, dam safety, and river health. Hydropower is an energy source that has been powering communities across America for generations and remains essential for a reliable and secure electricity grid. We are grateful to Reps. Smith and DelBene along with Sens. Cantwell and Murkowski for advancing solutions that will promote environmental stewardship, enhance public safety, and strengthen our energy security,” said Shannon Ames, Executive Director, Low Impact Hydropower Institute.

“Hydropower is a proven, reliable source of affordable energy for Americans. It is critical that we continue to improve, expand, and invest in this vital resource to meet future energy needs. The American Conservation Coalition Action and its over 60,000 grassroots members nationwide commend this bipartisan effort to unleash clean, American-made energy,” said Andrew Mills, Managing Director of American Conservation Coalition Action.

BACKGROUND:

Smith introduced the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act in December 2023. Smith has supported legislation to encourage development of hydroelectric and other renewable energy production since 2007.

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