MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 2403, the Retire through Ownership Act. Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) introduced the House version of this bill last year, which would provide legal and regulatory clarity in the formation of new Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Following House passage of S. 2403 by a vote of 401-14, Congressman Allen issued the statement below:

“One of the many lessons I learned over my decades-long career as a small business owner is that true success is measured by the success of your employees. ESOPs are a valuable tool to build wealth for retirement and give employees an ownership stake in their employer. The Retire through Ownership Act will help eliminate the regulatory ambiguity and unnecessary risks these plans often face while providing a clear framework for valuing employer stock. I am proud that this bipartisan, bicameral bill is one step closer to the finish line as we continue to advance policies that ensure more Americans can enjoy a secure retirement,” said Congressman Allen, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

“ESOPs provide employees with a meaningful foothold in capital ownership—allowing them to share in the success they’ve helped create. Unfortunately, lack of clarity in the law has brought uncertainty and created legal grey areas. S. 2403 fixes this problem by providing clear guidance,” said Representative Walberg, Chairman of the Committee on Education and Workforce. “Employee ownership is a proven asset for workers, businesses, and our economy, and it should not be undermined by ambiguity in the law. I’m glad to see this critical legislation make it to the president’s desk—ending over fifty years of confusion and strengthening employee ownership.”

BACKGROUND: Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) let workers build retirement savings by owning stock in their company. When an ESOP buys stock in a private company, an independent appraiser helps determine what that stock is worth. The Department of Labor (DOL) has not yet finalized clear rules for how private company stock should be valued in an ESOP transaction. That leaves ESOP trustees without a clear federal standard to follow when deciding whether the price is fair—creating uncertainty and legal risk for trustees and businesses.

S. 2403, Retire through Ownership Act, gives ESOP trustees a clearer rule to follow: If an independent appraiser follows the Internal Revenue Service’s longstanding guidelines to determine what a company is worth, the ESOP trustee can rely on that appraisal to decide if the price is fair. This legislation now heads to President Trump’s desk. Prior to House passage of the bill, Congressman Allen participated in debate on the House floor. Watch HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to help Kansas families save for their children’s futures. The bill would streamline how state agencies connect with new parents, ensuring families receive timely information on tax-favored savings and investment programs right when a child is born.

“As someone who worked my way through college, I know how life-changing it is when a family can start saving early for a child’s future,” said Davids. “But right now, too many new parents miss out on savings programs simply because no one tells them that they exist. This bipartisan bill fixes that. By delivering clear, actionable information to parents the moment a child is born, Representative Schmidt and I are helping Kansas families build real financial security from day one.”

“Every child deserves the opportunity to build a strong financial foundation, and parents should have clear information about the tools available to help them do that,” said Representative Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02). “The Born to Invest Act will help connect families with information about accounts that can help them save and invest for their children’s future, while giving states a practical framework for making that information available from the beginning of a child’s life.”

Federal law offers several tax-advantaged accounts to help families plan for higher education, disability-related expenses, and long-term financial security. However, because birth records are handled by state health departments while financial programs are run by state treasurers, a lack of inter-agency coordination leaves many new parents in the dark. Better alignment between these agencies ensures families receive this critical information right at birth, when starting a financial plan is most effective.

The Born to Invest Act addresses this communication gap by establishing a clear federal model for state agencies to safely coordinate birth notifications and deliver actionable financial guidance directly to families. Specifically, it amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish guidance that helps states:

• Educate Parents on Savings Options: Provide state treasurers with standardized frameworks to share information with parents and legal guardians on tax-advantaged accounts, including Section 530A Trump accounts, 529 college savings plans, and 529A ABLE accounts.
• Coordinate Inter-Agency Birth Data: Assist state treasurers and state health departments in establishing voluntary, secure information-sharing protocols regarding live births so state treasurers can proactively send financial literacy and account information to new parents.

Davids has consistently led bipartisan efforts to help Kansas families build long-term financial security. In addition to working to lower everyday costs across the board, she introduced bipartisan legislation alongside Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to expand tax-favored ABLE accounts, allowing employees with disabilities to receive employer contributions toward their future without risking their essential benefits. The Born to Invest Act directly builds on Davids’ track record of delivering practical, bipartisan financial tools to help Kansans achieve lasting independence.

“Kansas has been leading the way in finding practical, innovative ways to make sure people with disabilities and their families know about and can access the financial tools available to them,” said Sara Hart Weir, Executive Director, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities. “Through our work at the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities alongside Kansas ABLE and our state partners, we have helped build a model that connects families early with information about ABLE accounts and other opportunities to save and invest for the future. I’m thrilled to see Congress, specifically Congressman Schmidt and Congresswoman Davids, take that Kansas-grown idea to the national level through the Born to Invest Act. By helping states connect families with information about ABLE accounts, Trump Accounts and 529 plans from the very beginning of a child’s life, this legislation can help ensure that children with disabilities are included in our country’s growing culture of saving, investing and building wealth. For too long, Americans with disabilities have been told what they cannot earn, save or own. This is about changing that trajectory from day one — and giving every child, including every child with a disability, a real opportunity to build a financially secure future.”

“Building a strong financial foundation early in life gives children greater confidence and opportunity as they grow,” said Steven Johnson, Kansas State Treasurer. “With several tax-advantaged savings options available, parents and caregivers have more ways than ever to help prepare their children for the future. Born to Invest is designed to help families understand these savings plans, learn about available financial incentives and recognize the important role investing can play in building long-term financial security. By providing this information early in a child’s life, we can help parents and caregivers choose the option that works best for their family and understand the lasting benefits of starting to save early. I appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Kansas Representatives Davids and Schmidt and their commitment to strengthening the financial well-being of families.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

The landmark bill passed the House by a vote of 262 to 159 and will now head to President Trump’s desk

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026:

“Last night, the House voted in a bipartisan manner to address important water resource needs throughout our nation. This legislation will improve water resources infrastructure across our nation, grow the American economy, build and maintain safe waterways, improve flood protection, and more,” said Congressman Cole. “I’d like to thank House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves of Missouri for his work on this legislation, as it will deliver much needed benefits to so many American communities, including the Fourth District of Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma District Four Wins in H.R. 9497

• Increased the authorization from $15 million to $20 million for the Midwest City Water Infrastructure Project for a new water tank and booster pump station.
• $45 million in authorization for construction of new water lines from Oklahoma City to Newcastle, Tuttle, Goldsby, and Blanchard. This will help allow for a more regionalized water system in the area that will keep rates lower and reduce maintenance over time.
• Arbuckle-Timbered Hills Aquifer Recharge and Regional Water Supply Feasibility Study, which will evaluate storage capacity and recharge potential, assess opportunities for managed aquifer recharge and aquifer storage to serve communities in Lawton and at Fort Sill.

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

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02)’s Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA 2026) passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 415 to 9. The bipartisan, biennial bill protects Northwest Washington’s environment, supports Columbia River Treaty negotiations and authorizes critical investments in Northwest Washington ports, inland waterways, flood management systems and other water resources infrastructure.

“Today’s House passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 is great news for ports, harbors and inland waterways in the Pacific Northwest and across the country,” said Rep. Larsen, who is the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “From expanding funding opportunities to restore ecosystems on Spencer Island to authorizing a study to mitigate Nooksack River flooding, WRDA 2026 continues bipartisan efforts to improve water resources infrastructure, create good-paying jobs and protect communities from natural disasters. I look forward to working with the Senate to pass a final WRDA 2026 into law.” 

Since 2014, Congress has enacted a water resources development bill every two years to help improve the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood and storm risk management, aquatic ecosystems and other aspects of water resources infrastructure. WRDA 2024 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and included many of Rep. Larsen’s local priorities, including funding environmental infrastructure assistance to Western Washington state communities and expanding the Tribal Partnership Program (TPP) to make it easier for the Army Corps of Engineers to partner with Northwest Tribes on projects.

Washington State Wins in WRDA 2026

WRDA 2026 invests in Washington state priorities, including restoring the Puget Sound, addressing Nooksack River flooding and ensuring that critical Corps projects across the state can continue.

Wins for Washington in WRDA 2026 include: 

• Nooksack River Flooding: Authorizes a new feasibility study for flood risk reduction in the Nooksack River, which Whatcom County can use for long-term planning to address flooding concerns. Rep. Larsen has been working with local leaders to develop a plan to address Nooksack River flooding. Earlier this year, he advocated for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief funds to help communities recover from December 2025’s devastating floods, and he has championed FEMA flood mitigation grant funding so that local communities can prepare for future floods.
• Disaster Debris Removal: Reforms how the Corps writes emergency debris removal contracts after floods to minimize harmful impacts to property and wildlife, and directs the Secretary of the Corps to ensure protection of healthy vegetation, important habitats, and vulnerable wildlife when setting standard contract terms. This provision will protect local ecosystems while cleaning flood debris in the Skagit River and other local rivers from December 2025’s floods.
• Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters (PSAW): Increases the per project funding cap to $20 million, ensuring projects like Spencer Island restoration in Snohomish County continue to move forward. In 2018, Rep. Larsen successfully included an amendment in WRDA 2018 to increase the per project cap for PSAW to $10 million.
• Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP): Allows the Corps to cost-share the relocation of related infrastructure for PNSERP projects at Lilliwaup Estuary, Tahuya Estuary, Snow Creek and Salmon Creek and Nooksack Estuary. Rep. Larsen previously worked to authorize $451 million for PSNERP in WRDA 2016. The Puget Sound is the largest estuary by water volume in the United States. Rep. Larsen’s bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the National Estuary Program through 2031 and protect estuaries around the country passed the House last December.
• Columbia River Treaty: Extends temporary authority for the United States to pay for pre-planned storage of water in Canada while United States and Canada continue to negotiate a new Columbia River Treaty. The United States’ current authority expires in 2027. The hydropower that the Columbia River Treaty provides benefits towns and cities across Northwest Washington, and Rep. Larsen has advocated for the Columbia River Treaty’s renewal for over a decade. Rep. Larsen supports efforts to negotiate a modern Columbia River treaty that manages flood risks and ensures a reliable clean energy supply, and he is working with local stakeholders to gather input ahead of negotiations.
• Preventing Invasive Aquatic Species: Clarifies that indirect costs incurred by non-federal partners remain eligible for credit or reimbursement under the Corps’ Watercraft Inspection authority, which funds state efforts to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species. Invasive golden, quagga and zebra mussels continue to expand their footprint in the Pacific Northwest. Early detection monitoring, watercraft inspection and decontamination and eradication efforts are critical to preventing further spread.
• Lower Columbia River Channel Maintenance: Clarifies that the cost of constructing a dredged material disposal facility for operation and maintenance of the Lower Willamette and Lower Columbia River is a federal responsibility that can be drawn from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF). These facilities are necessary for dredging operations to maintain the Columbia River waterway, which moves over $31 billion in cargo annually and supports 40,000 local jobs.
• Lower Columbia River Turning Basin: Authorizes the Chief’s Report for Lower Columbia Turning Basin improvements. Traffic has continued to grow in the Lower Columbia River, with an increase in larger vessels that need room to safely turn and park. These improvements will allow for the better positioning of vessels, increase opportunities to use nearby tug service and improve efficient movement of vessels transporting goods.
• HMTF Allocations for Donor and Energy Transfer Ports: Removes discretion for the Administration to ensure it fully utilizes a provision in WRDA 2020 requiring specific funding allocations from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to donor and energy transfer ports. The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma are donor ports.
• Office of Technical Assistance and Community Outreach: Creates an Office of Technical Assistance and Community Outreach within the Corps to help communities that may have difficulty navigating the Corps’ planning and construction processes. This office will serve as a one-stop-shop for directing communities to existing programs that assist with affordability concerns, address unique needs, and provide support for any stage of a Corps project.
• Corps Study Process: Requires the Corps and the non-federal sponsor to establish an agreed-to timeframe (with milestones) for studies, and to allow the non-federal sponsor to request time extensions based on project complexity and sponsor’s goals.  

For the legislative text of WRDA 2026, click here.

For a summary of WRDA 2026, click here.

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

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass the Ratepayers Protection Act 417 to 3.

“I voted for the Ratepayers Protection Act to protect families from higher electric bills,” said Rep. Larsen. “This legislation is only a start, and there is a lot more work to do. I support tough, upfront restrictions on large data centers: no high electric bills for local families and small businesses, no federal tax breaks, and no construction without community approval and union labor. Data centers must pay their fair share to connect to and use the grid, and they should be required to use closed loop water systems. I support the ability of local jurisdictions to enact temporary moratoriums to give themselves time to decide how they want to manage large data centers.”

The Ratepayer Protection Act requires state regulators to consider directing data centers to pay the full cost of connection to the grid, protecting ratepayers from footing the bill for data centers’ power consumption. In 2024, the Department of Energy projected that the percentage of U.S. electricity demand from data centers could grow from 4.4 percent in 2023 to 12 percent by 2028.

Rep. Larsen also cosponsors the Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act to roll back tax breaks for large AI data centers in Republicans’ Big Ugly Law.

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

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“I support Ukraine. I always have, and I always will. But this sanctions bill isn’t necessary.

“President Trump already has authority to impose sanctions on the Russian officials and companies that are fueling the brutal war in Ukraine. And yet he has chosen to sanction only two Russian officials with that authority.

“Congress has already allocated $400 million for assistance to Ukraine. Instead of using these existing powers and dollars, the Trump Pentagon has refused to release that money to help the Ukraine military.

“President Trump is going easy on Putin and blaming Ukraine for surging diesel prices. This sanctions bill doesn’t do anything to help Ukraine that this President can’t already do.”

The House of Representatives today voted to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act by a vote of 262 to 159.

Rep. Larsen is a strong advocate for a free and independent Ukraine. In June, he helped pass the Ukraine Support Act, which would impose tough sanctions on Russia and provide additional security assistance to Ukraine. Rep. Larsen is a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), an organization made up of delegates from all 32 NATO member countries with a mission to engage in dialogue over transatlantic security issues.

Rep. Larsen is also a leader in opposing the Trump administration’s tariffs and a member of the New Democrat Coalition Trade and Tariffs Task Force. In February, the House passed with bipartisan support a resolution that Larsen co-led to terminate President Trump’s abuse of “emergency” authorities to impose sweeping tariffs on U.S. imports from Canada.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks during a press conference following House passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:

Click here to watch a video of his remarks.

“Senator Shaheen and Senator Blumenthal, who have been such giants, [have been] working on this for a long, long period of time. I’ve got a speech here; I’m not going to give it as it’s written. This is a good day. It’s a good day for freedom. It’s a good day for democracy. It’s a good day for a country that has [been] beleaguered by a savage nation who, contrary to their agreement – and they got nuclear material, all of it in return for the promise to honor the sovereignty of Ukraine, to honor the geography of Ukraine, and to honor the democracy of Ukraine – they lied. And today we took a step to redeem our pledge to Ukraine, to support their sovereignty and their democracy and their geography. The mother of this war was the tepid response in 2014 to the stealing of Crimea. Today was a statement by the Congress of the United States in a bipartisan way, that that should not stand. And that the voice of America spoken through the Congress of the United States is to tell Russia and Putin, ‘No more. No more standing by and rationalizing your behavior. No more allowing Ukrainians to be killed every night. No more the theft of eastern Ukraine and of Crimea. No more to savage invasion of sovereign countries, inconsistent with every international treaty that we know of.’ 

“I spent eight hours today on the phone with my Members on my side of the aisle. There was concern by some of our leadership, for whom I have great affection and great respect, and who we co-sponsored a bill, the Ukraine Support Act – which is stronger than the bill we just passed, better than the bill we just passed, more comprehensive than the bill we just passed. But this bill was critically important, and I want to thank all the people here. And Senator [Graham], I want to thank you. Lindsey and I did a number of travels together. He was one of the funniest guys I know. And he – I didn’t always agree with him, and I was frustrated that it took us from April [2024] to this day to pass a major piece of legislation. Twenty-four – two years ago [was] the last time we acted. This was way past time to say to Russia, ‘We’re not for you. We’re against the action you’ve taken. And to say to Ukraine, ‘We’re your friends. We are for you. And we will stand with you.’ 

“I personally think it’s none of Russia’s business whether Ukraine joins NATO. I am for that. I am for that because that’s what they want. And frankly, Sweden did not ask, nor did we ask Russia’s permission for Sweden. We didn’t ask for permission for Finland to join NATO. And we should not ask for permission for Ukraine to join NATO. But this day is about saying, ‘We want sanctions on Russia.’ I believe the President is going to sign a bill which says we want sanctions on Russia, and then we will be able to say and the world will be able to say the Congress of the United States has set a policy that we will sanction, actively and effectively, Russian criminal behavior.

“So, I want to say how proud I am to be associated – I want to say something about Marcy Kaptur. Marcy Kaptur is Ukrainian. Marcy Kaptur is the strongest voice in the Congress of the United States on behalf of Ukraine for [the] decades that she and I have served together. Marcy Kaptur has been my leader on this issue. Now, I was the Leader for a long time, but on this issue we cooperated. And I talked to Senator Blumenthal and Senator Shaheen on a regular basis of ‘How are we going to get this done?’ And I want to thank my partners. Mike McCaul. We would not have gotten the Ukraine Support Act out of the Congress without Mike McCaul. He stood up to his party. he stood for principle, and he stood for Ukraine. And Joe Wilson was there with him. Joe, thank you very much. Ukraine’s battle is not over, and we must be faithful to the action that we took in the Congress. Mr. Meeks and I and Ms. DeLauro are going to introduce a bill – hopefully within the next week – which will authorize additional funding for weapons and materials to confront the onslaught against Ukraine. So, we know that this battle is not over until Ukrainians are all free, and Crimea is an integral part of that country. Thank you.”

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued the following statement:

We unequivocally support the Ukrainian people in their courageous fight for freedom against Russian aggression. Ukraine is on the side of democracy, freedom and truth. Russia is on the side of autocracy, tyranny and oppression. To that end, beginning in 2022, House Democrats have acted repeatedly to ensure that the Ukrainian people have what they need to defend themselves. In April of 2024, we provided a historic $61 billion in funding. Several months ago, Democrats took control of the Floor of the House of Representatives and successfully forced a vote on the Ukraine Support Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation that imposes tough sanctions on Russia.

Unfortunately, the bill we voted on today, H.R. 5334, gives extraordinary power to Donald Trump. It allows him to waive the sanctions contained in the bill, while giving him new, expansive tariff authority to continue his failed global trade war that is causing costs to skyrocket for working families across America. Sadly, the White House is willing to risk Ukrainian lives and American livelihoods instead of working to actually hold this rogue Russian regime accountable for its illegal war.

President Trump has shown no willingness to be strong on Russia, and he cannot be entrusted with new powers to impose tariffs that will further raise costs for American families. For that reason, we voted No on this legislation.

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