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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the following statement after Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was chosen by the conclave to serve as the next Pope:

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the new Holy Father—the first American-born Pope. This is a truly historic moment for the Catholic Church and for the world. I pray that his moral leadership brings renewed compassion and unity to people of all backgrounds around the world.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Yesterday, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) joined local education leaders to denounce the Trump Administration’s elimination of AmeriCorps funding—cuts that threaten critical education and youth development programs across Philadelphia.

At the press conference, Congressman Boyle was joined by Hillary Kane, Director of the Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND); David Weinstein, Executive Director of Joyful Readers; Darryl Bundridge, Executive Director of City Year Philadelphia; and Anna Shurak, Executive Director of Teach For America Philadelphia. Together, they highlighted the devastating consequences these cuts would have on students, schools, and communities throughout the city.

“You can understand why AmeriCorps has long had bipartisan support in Congress, and I stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to demand that this funding be restored across our commonwealth,” said Congressman Boyle. “AmeriCorps members are meeting this moment. They’re working in our schools and food banks. Helping veterans access vital services, supporting seniors and so much more in every ZIP code. They’re actively working to make Philadelphia a better place.”

“Our program this year served 170 students, mostly in high schools in West Philadelphia. And we had to tell our members that Friday was their last day,” said Hillary Kane, Director of the Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND). “AmeriCorps has been a vital resource for us to help make these connections and to provide better services to folks.”

“Can you imagine being an AmeriCorps member, serving for a modest stipend, supporting kids, and being told over the weekend you can’t go back, your term of service has ended,” said David Weinstein, Executive Director of Joyful Readers. “Can you imagine being a student who’s learning how to read, who’s struggling a little bit, but has someone there supporting them, and now you’re starting to get it, but on Monday your tutor just doesn’t show up and you don’t really know why.”

In Pennsylvania, AmeriCorps invested nearly $39 million in federal funding last year, leveraging an additional $16 million from private and local partners—generating over $17 in economic value for every dollar spent. In Philadelphia alone, more than 1,300 AmeriCorps members served in schools, afterschool programs, and nonprofits during the 2023–2024 fiscal year. That includes 125 Teach For America teachers reaching over 7,700 students in North and West Philadelphia, and City Year Philadelphia, which provided success coaching and academic support to more than 7,000 students across 12 local schools.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representative Mikie Sherrill sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau demanding immediate federal action to resolve the air traffic control staffing and systems crisis affecting Newark Liberty International Airport. In the past two weeks alone, over 5,000 flights have been delayed and dozens of round-trip routes canceled, leaving thousands of New Jerseyans stranded or forced to miss critical life events like their child’s graduation.

Rep. Sherrill cited repeated radar and communications outages at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility—responsible for managing Newark’s airspace—as well as severe staffing shortages, as unacceptable threats to public safety.

“I have flown in heavily congested airspaces as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy, so I know how dangerous a 90 second radar and communications outage can be for passengers and crew in the air and on the ground,” wrote Rep. Sherrill. “While I welcomed the Administration and FAA’s comments about increasing air traffic controller staffing and technology upgrades, I am disappointed with the lack of urgency and action. Radar and communications blackouts and unprecedented staffing shortages have continued in the week since, prompting concerns about when federal assistance will actually be available for the Philadelphia TRACON and when my constituents can expect relief from this transportation disaster. On behalf of my New Jersey constituents, I demand answers and action as soon as possible in response to the following questions regarding DOT and FAA’s strategy to return the Philadelphia TRACON and Newark Airport airspace to full operations and safety.”

Read the full letter here or below:

Dear Secretary Duffy and Acting Administrator Rocheleau:

Over the past two weeks, thousands of my constituents in New Jersey have faced a transportation nightmare – including more than 5,000 flight delays and the cancellation of dozens of round-trip routes – in the central hub for air transit in our region. Not only are families unable to reach loved ones in the hospital or attend their child’s graduation, but they are increasingly worried about whether it is safe to fly in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport at all.

Since the public was made aware of the April 28th radar and communications blackout at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) – which manages Newark’s airspace – the situation at Newark Airport has only worsened. On May 9th, radar screens at the Philadelphia TRACON went dark again for another 90-second period. On May 11th, communications and radar displays went down for a third time in less than 14 days, causing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to order a 45-minute ground stop at Newark Airport. On May 12th, meanwhile, staffing shortages at the Philadelphia TRACON were so severe that several hours during the evening had only three air traffic controllers on duty, dramatically lower than the target of 14 controllers for managing the Newark airspace in evening hours.

Needless to say, this situation is unacceptable. I have flown in heavily congested airspaces as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy, so I know how dangerous a 90 second radar and communications outage can be for passengers and crew in the air and on the ground. Last week, I called on the Department of Transportation and the FAA to boost staffing and resource capacity immediately for the Philadelphia TRACON that controls Newark’s airspace. Additional personnel are critically needed to make up for the air traffic controllers who were forced to take trauma leave after their experiences on April 28th, and more financial resources and equipment are required to deploy backup communications connections between the Philadelphia TRACON and the Long Island-based equipment still used for Newark air traffic control.

While I welcomed the Administration and FAA’s comments about increasing air traffic controller staffing and technology upgrades, I am disappointed with the lack of urgency and action. Radar and communications blackouts and unprecedented staffing shortages have continued in the week since, prompting concerns about when federal assistance will actually be available for the Philadelphia TRACON and when my constituents can expect relief from this transportation disaster.

On behalf of my New Jersey constituents, I demand answers and action as soon as possible in response to the following questions regarding DOT and FAA’s strategy to return the Philadelphia TRACON and Newark Airport airspace to full operations and safety:

1. What are DOT and FAA’s immediate plans to increase the number of air traffic controllers at the Philadelphia TRACON, particularly given the current 20% reduction in staffing capacity as a result of controllers taking trauma leave based on the events of April 28th? What is your deadline for when additional controllers will be able to start work at the Philadelphia TRACON? Is the FAA planning to shift additional air traffic controllers to Philly, and if so, where will these air traffic controllers be moved from? What Newark airspace-specific training will these air traffic controllers need and what is your timeframe for providing it?
    
2. What are DOT and FAA’s immediate plans to add three new, high-bandwidth telecommunications connections between Philadelphia TRACON and the Long Island TRACON, as well as to install a temporary backup STARS radar hub at Philadelphia TRACON? When will this new equipment be operational and ready to manage the Newark airspace?
    
3. Regarding DOT and FAA’s longer-term strategy for Newark’s airspace, when will a permanent STARS hub be operational at Philadelphia TRACON so that it doesn’t need to rely on the Long Island radar feed? Have DOT and FAA evaluated moving Newark airspace control back to the Long Island TRACON?
    
4. What are DOT and FAA’s long-term plans to expand the air traffic controller workforce, including increased funding for workforce development programs, an expansion of the FAA Air Traffic Controller Academy, increased wages and benefits for controllers, and a streamlined hiring process for applicants?
    
5. As DOT and FAA increase air traffic controller hiring and training, how will you ensure that new controllers are available to work at the Philadelphia TRACON and air traffic control for New Jersey’s airspace? New Jersey currently does not have any participating colleges or universities in the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative, which could help develop a New Jersey air traffic controller workforce. Will DOT and FAA commit to expanding the Collegiate Training Initiative to New Jersey?
    
6. Last year’s bipartisan FAA Reauthorization legislation provided $70 billion for FAA safety programs (including hiring additional air traffic controllers) and $20 billion for technology modernization. It also expanded the Aviation Workforce Development Grant Program to boost the number of training positions for air traffic controllers. How are DOT and FAA using these funds to boost the air traffic controller workforce?

It is critical that DOT and FAA act urgently to address this unprecedented situation. Without an immediate boost in air traffic controller staffing levels at the Philadelphia TRACON that manages Newark’s airspace, and the creation of multiple redundancies in the Philadelphia TRACON’s radar and communications systems, equipment blackouts will undoubtedly continue – putting lives at risk and degrading trust in America’s air infrastructure. 

Congress stands ready to act in whatever way is needed, along bipartisan lines. It’s time to put an end to this crisis.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) has introduced H.R. 3378, the Racehorse Health and Safety Act (RHSA), which protects the health and welfare of racing horses and improves the integrity and safety of horse racing. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

This legislation is a direct response to the concerns surrounding the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), which was signed into law, through an omnibus bill, in 2020. Passed with the intention of bringing uniformity to the horse racing industry, HISA establishes a wide set of rules that are implemented and enforced by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. Since its passage, which Congressman Higgins opposed, HISA has been riddled with legal setbacks, including the death of 12 horses at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.

The Racehorse Health and Safety Act would:

• Repeal the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA);
• Grant states the right to enter into the interstate compact, which is a contract between multiple states to develop nationwide rules governing scientific control and racetrack safety for horse racing;
• Establish the Racehorse Health and Safety Organization (RHSO), which will regulate the horse racing industry;
• Establish three Scientific Medication Control Committees (SMCCs) to draft recommended rules for each breed.

“Government overreach is impacting industries across our nation with rules in places where they have no business being,” said Congressman Higgins. “The well-intentioned disaster of HISA proved that enforcing uniformed rules in horse racing plagues the industry with confusion and disruption. This legislation is rooted in science and draws from industry experts. It is of horsemen, by horsemen, and for horsemen. We must push back against federal oppression and protect the horse racing industry and the beautiful animals we love.”

“The RHSA will provide horse owners and racetracks flexibility, while also bringing safe and effective regulation to the horseracing industry,” said Senator Cotton.

Read the legislation here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released a statement on Republicans budget plan to slash Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and food assistance from our seniors, veterans, children, and hard-working families. This week, Republicans released a plan that dictates the specific cuts they would be making to these programs and voted for them in their Congressional committees.

“Trump and Republicans in Congress spent months lying to the American people, saying they would preserve health care, and they wouldn’t touch Medicaid,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “This week, Republicans voted to make the largest cuts to Medicaid and food assistance in American history. Millions of seniors, veterans, children, and hardworking families will lose their healthcare coverage, and millions more will be left hungry. Let’s be clear; when Medicaid is cut, people don’t ‘tighten their belts.’ They lose access to life-saving medications, they skip doctor visits because they can’t afford them, they forgo vital surgeries and, in some cases, they die. Cutting Medicaid won’t create prosperity it will create poverty.  We must fight back, because Medicaid matters, food for our seniors and children matters. I will never stop fighting for our seniors, veterans, children, and hard-working families in South Jersey.”

The Republican budget plan will end healthcare coverage for almost 14 million Americans: 

• The bill’s Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts terminate health insurance for 8.6 million Americans
• Republicans’ plans to take away enhanced tax credits cause another 5.1 million Americans to lose coverage.

The Republican budget plan directs:

• At least $700 billion in Medicaid cuts, terminating health insurance and slashing benefits, like home care and mental health services, for low-income seniors, kids, veterans, people with disabilities, and working families.
• A $350 billion cut to the Affordable Care Act because Republicans refuse to extend tax credits that ensure Americans can afford their health coverage 

Largest cut to SNAP, which provides critical food assistance for low-income families, in American history:

• 27,000 grocery stores could be at risk of closure due to a massive loss in revenue, creating and exacerbating food deserts in largely rural areas.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

Stefanik Encourages AG Pam Bondi to Investigate New York State’s Unconstitutional Gun Laws | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) to reintroduce the They’re Fast, We’re Furious Act. This bipartisan bill would establish a Street Racing Prevention and Intervention Task Force under the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to coordinate local, state, and federal strategic responses to street racing and unlawful organized street shows. The task force would directly address the impacts of street racing and develop best practices to combat the problem, creating safer communities and potentially saving lives.

Congressman Valadao co-sponsored the They’re Fast, We’re Furious Act of 2023 in the 118th Congress.

“In the Central Valley, street racing is an epidemic that puts our communities in danger,” said Congressman Valadao. “Kern County’s fatal hit-and-run accident rate is over 151% higher than the national average, and deadly crashes are a direct result of reckless driving at high speeds. Illegal street racing in our neighborhoods puts the lives of other drivers, first responders, and innocent bystanders at risk, and I’m proud to join Congresswoman Pettersen to give law enforcement the tools they need to combat this dangerous trend.”

“I’ve heard from constituents across Broomfield and Jefferson Counties who are concerned by the illegal street racing on the rise in our communities, including the death of a college student in Westminster caused by a street racing incident” said Rep. Pettersen. “As a mom, I’m committed to making sure our communities are a safe place for our kids and neighbors. That’s why I’m working with Congressman Valadao during National Police Week to ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to crack down on reckless driving and save lives.”

Background:

A national study analyzing data from 2018 to 2022 found that two counties in California’s 22nd Congressional District—Kern and Tulare—rank among the top 25 in the nation for fatal hit-and-run crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding has contributed to roughly one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities over the past two decades. Illegal street racing and unlawful street shows are becoming increasingly common across the Central Valley, and with growing populations and more vehicles on the road, the risk of tragic outcomes continues to rise.

Beyond the dangerous nature of these activities, street racing and unlawful street shows cause noise and safety disruptions, negatively impacting neighborhoods in rural areas and large cities alike. This bill is a step towards cracking down on these dangerous activities, as the established task force would coordinate efforts nationwide and ensure law enforcement and agencies have the best information and resources available. Members of the task force would be appointed by the Attorney General, Secretary of Transportations, and the FBI Director, and would be composed of employees from the DOJ Criminal Division, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the FBI, and local and state law enforcement agencies.

Read the full bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter announces $35 million in additional funding for Brunswick Port

Carter announces $35 million in additional funding for Brunswick Port

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party John Moolenaar (R-MI), Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford (R-AR), House Intelligence Committee Member Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), House Intelligence Committee Member Darin LaHood (R-IL), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Member Ted Lieu (D-CA), introduced the Chip Security Act.

The Chip Security Act would require advanced chip manufacturers to implement technical security measures to detect and prevent smuggling to unauthorized countries and end-users. This legislation responds to ongoing reports of AI chips being smuggled into China, where they are used to power state-controlled AI projects. Despite export controls, smuggling networks and front companies continue to move U.S.-made chips into restricted countries.

“American innovation and AI computing technology has the potential to change everything from how we complete daily tasks to unlocking the next era of scientific breakthroughs” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “In order for the United States to maintain our technological advantage, we must employ safeguards to help ensure these advanced AI chips are not being shipped to bad actors who would use them for nefarious purposes. The Chips Security Act is a bipartisan solution that strengthens our ability to protect American interests as well as our technological advances.”

“As Congress’ chip designer, AI programmer, and PhD physicist, I know that we have the technical tools to prevent powerful AI technology from getting into the wrong hands. With advanced AI chips being smuggled into China and posing a national security risk, Congress must act,” said Congressman Bill Foster. “I’m proud to lead the effort on this bipartisan legislation, which is an important step in protecting our exports and ensuring that U.S. technology is not used to undermine democracy and global stability.”

“For too long, the Chinese Communist Party has exploited weaknesses in our export control enforcement system—using shell companies and smuggling networks to divert sensitive U.S. technology, fuel the PLA’s military advancement, and extend its surveillance capabilities to further its repression,” said Congressman John Moolenaar, Chairman of the China Select Committee. That puts our national security and our leadership in artificial intelligence at risk. This bipartisan bill closes those gaps with real safeguards to keep our most advanced chips out of the wrong hands. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and we’re committed to getting this legislation across the finish line and signed into law.”

“This bipartisan legislation will help ensure our most advanced technologies don’t end up in the wrong hands,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member of the China Select Committee. “I’m proud to join my colleagues, including Congressman Foster—whose deep expertise and leadership on science and national security issues continue to strengthen our country—in introducing this commonsense measure.”

The bill would require:

• Location Verification: High-end AI chips must have the ability to identify their location before they are exported.
• Mandatory Reporting: Companies exporting these products must report any credible information about the diversion of the product, including if the location has changed.
• Additional Technical Requirements: Requires the Secretary of Commerce to assess second-level security mechanisms to prevent misuse or diversion of these chips.
• Enforcement: Provides the Secretary of Commerce enforcement capabilities to verify that the exported chips have not been diverted.

This issue was highlighted in the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party’s recent report on DeepSeek.

The Chip Security Act legislative text is available here. Companion legislation to the Chip Security Act has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga announced that communities across Southwest Michigan will receive federal funding from the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations legislation.  Specifically, the communities of Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Portage will receive federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).  CDBG provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by improving housing and providing a better living environment. Additionally, CDBG expands economic opportunity, principally for low- and moderate-income residents.

Furthermore, the communities of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo will receive federal funding through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program provides formula grants to states and localities that communities use – often in partnership with local nonprofit groups – to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people. HOME is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households.

“I am glad to see the Trump Administration prioritize the communities of Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Portage,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “This funding will improve housing affordability as well as increase economic opportunity for lower and moderate-income families across Southwest Michigan.”

CDBG Funding Allocations

Battle Creek              $1,205,390   

Benton Harbor          $382,893

Holland                      $333,432

Kalamazoo                $1,583,632   

Portage                      $209,148

HOME Funding Allocations

Battle Creek              $254,254

Kalamazoo                $456,817

The State of Michigan also received a direct allocation totaling $34,090,474 for CBDG and $16,080,261 for HOME. This funding is on top of the funding distributed to municipalities across Michigan.

Here is the full list of Michigan communities who recently received funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development:

Battle Creek, Bay, Benton Harbor, Canton Twp, Clinton Twp, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, East Lansing, Farmington Hills, Flint, Genesee County, Grand Rapids, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent County, Lansing, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Macomb County, Midland, Monroe, Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, Niles, Norton Shores, Oakland County, Pontiac, Port Huron, Portage, Redford, Roseville, Royal Oak, Saginaw, Southfield, St Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, Taylor, Traverse City, Warren, Washtenaw County, Waterford Township, Wayne County, Westland, and Wyoming.