MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and U.S Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), are urging the administration to withdraw a proposed rule that would weaken longstanding civil service protections for federal employees, including the nearly 8,000 civilian workers at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). In a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Charles Ezell and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) Chairman Cathy Harris, the lawmakers warned that the proposal would make it more difficult to recruit and retain the skilled civilian workforce responsible for maintaining the Navy’s submarine fleet, ultimately threatening national security.

“We write in strong opposition to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)’s proposed rule ‘Promoting Employee Accountability,’” the lawmakers began. “This proposed rule would weaken longstanding civil service protections that promote merit-based employment, due process and the recruitment and retention of skilled workers. Moreover, as Members of Congress who represent nearly eight thousand civilian workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, we are concerned about the proposed rule’s impact on workers essential to our national security.”

“By stripping away the procedures that keep discipline fair for civilian employees doing the work of naval readiness… the proposed rule introduces costly unpredictability in the workforce and needlessly undermines readiness. We are concerned this will increase attrition in the critical and experienced workforce that keeps our submarine fleet ready… We, therefore, ask you to withdraw OPM and MSPB’s proposed rule,” the lawmakers concluded.

Joining King and Pingree on the letter are U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and U.S. Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02) and Chris Pappas (D-NH-01).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

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Director Kupor and Acting Chairman Kerner,

We write in strong opposition to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)’s proposed rule “Promoting Employee Accountability,” Docket OPM-2025-0012 (RIN 3206-AO91). This proposed rule would weaken longstanding civil service protections that promote merit-based employment, due process and the recruitmentand retention of skilled workers. Moreover, as Members of Congress who represent nearly eight thousand civilian workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, we are concerned about the proposed rule’s impact on workers essential to our national security.

OPM and MSPB’s joint notice of proposed rulemaking issued on July 2, 2026, unnecessarily weakens civil service protections and undermines workers’ rights to challenge removal. Current law provides agencies with the authority to address misconduct and poor performance while ensuring personnel decisions are appropriate, fair and consistent. This rulewould impose a short 30-day limit for performance improvement periods and make termination the default penalty. Theshortened window, coupled with termination as the default, could result in the loss of skilled workers who could have improved their performance if given sufficient time. Furthermore, the proposed rule weakens workers’ ability to challenge disciplinary measures by barring the use of union time to represent workers in removal proceedings.

Since the MSPB’s decision in Douglas v. Veterans Administration in 1981, agencies must consider 12 factors when examining the reasonableness of an agency’s proposed penalty for adverse action taken under 5 U.S.C. 7513. These include considering mitigating circumstances, rehabilitation potential and length of service. For nearly 50 years across Republican and Democratic administrations, these consistent standards have provided fairness to federal workers facing accusations of misconduct and created a framework for determining approportionate responses. OPM’s and MSPB’s proposal would instead require agencies to rely on an arbitrary, case-by-case examination of whether disciplinary action is reasonable given the “totality of circumstances” and explicitly states that “noparticular factors must be considered in every case.” This could allow agencies to ignore important mitigating factors and more easily remove skilled workers with strong rehabilitation potential from critical industries.

As you are no doubt aware, the men and women who work at our public shipyards are critical members of our defenseindustrial base, without whom the ability to repair, retrofit and refuel our country’s submarines would be in jeopardy. In our states, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) has nearly eight thousand civilian employees, creating more than $1.5 billion in annual economic impact in surrounding communities. As our military’s “pacing threat,” the People’s Republic of China, is rapidly expanding its nuclear weapons programs, the role that our own submarines play in the survivability of our nuclear triad cannot be overstated. In fact, PNSY currently needs to hire over 700 workers annually to meet the Navy’s demand – which is an increase from 550 over the past two years. Further, policies that reduce workplace protections risk making federal service less attractive to qualified candidates. Due to civilian hiring quotas imposed by the Office of Personnel Management, PNSY has struggled to onboard workers and cannot risk additional delays or departures. If the Administration intends to retain this political litmus test at our public shipyards, the costs of unnecessarily losing more skilled workers through this proposed rule far outweigh any potential benefit.

By stripping away the procedures that keep discipline fair for civilian employees doing the work of naval readiness and refusing toconsider important factors, the proposed rule introduces costly unpredictability in the workforce and needlessly undermines readiness. We are concerned this will increase attrition in the critical and experienced workforce that keeps our submarine fleet ready, ultimately harming the shipyard’s ability to meet the Navy’s needs and threatening our national security.

We, therefore, ask you to withdraw OPM and MSPB’s proposed rule, “Promoting Employee Accountability,” and consider alternatives that preserve federal workers’ longstanding civil service protections.

Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and David Valadao (R-Calif.), along with Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), reintroduced a bipartisan resolution designating August 2–8, 2026, as National Farmers Market Week. This resolution honors the critical role farmers markets play in bridging the gap between urban and rural communities, helping people better understand the realities of farming and ranching.

“Farmers markets have been a cherished tradition in communities across America for generations. A quarter of Maine farms sell directly to consumers, with more than 100 farmers markets currently operating in our state,” said Congresswoman Pingree, a longtime organic farmer and co-chair of both the Organic Caucus and the Food Recovery Caucus. “By connecting local growers with their communities, farmers markets not only help put healthy food on the table, but also strengthen local economies and help preserve Maine’s agricultural traditions for future generations. This bipartisan, bicameral resolution reminds us that, in red states and blue states alike, farmers markets can be a force for good—and an important part of building a stronger, more resilient food system for all Americans.”

“The Central Valley grows a quarter of our nation’s food on less than one percent of America’s farmland, yet too many people living in urban areas don’t realize what it takes to get food from field to table,” said Congressman Valadao. “Farmers markets provide a valuable opportunity to connect people with the hardworking producers who feed our nation, and they highlight the important role agriculture plays in our communities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing National Farmers Market Week and honoring the contributions of our CA-22 producers working to support food access, bolster local economies, promote healthy living, and foster sustainable farming.” 

“California is home to more than 800 farmers markets that nourish our families, bolster the local economy, and cultivate thoughtful relationships between growers and consumers,” said Senator Padilla. “We cherish these shared spaces which are a vibrant, dependable source of nutrition for our state. I’m proud to lead this Senate resolution celebrating National Farmer’s Market Week to support our local farmers who feed our families and strengthen our communities.”

“Agriculture is the heart of Iowa, and farmers markets make it easier for Iowans to buy fresh, locally grown food in communities across our state,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m proud to lead a bipartisan resolution designating Aug. 2-8 as National Farmers Market Week to recognize the tireless work of our farmers, ranchers, and producers who put nutritious food on Americans’ tables every day.”

Read the resolution here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) announced today that he led every Republican member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation in urging the Trump Administration to protect Marine Corps readiness, preserve competition, and strengthen America’s tactical vehicle industrial base.

In a letter sent to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg, and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers expressed support for the Administration’s Arsenal of Freedom initiative and called for qualified alternative production capacity to remain available for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program.

“America’s warfighters should not be forced to wait for critical equipment because a defense program has fallen behind schedule,” said Congressman Grothman. “Maintaining competition and proven production capacity will help protect military readiness while ensuring contractors remain accountable to the servicemembers and taxpayers they serve. Oshkosh Defense has the experienced workforce and proven manufacturing capability needed to produce vehicles and help address the current backlog. Wisconsin stands ready to support the Marine Corps and deliver the vehicles our warfighters need.”

Production challenges affecting the JLTV A2 program have raised concerns about the Marine Corps’ ability to field the vehicles needed to support expeditionary operations. According to the House Appropriations Committee report accompanying the Fiscal Year 2027 Defense Appropriations Act, the program was more than 20 months behind schedule, with approximately 2,000 vehicles overdue.

The delegation also highlighted the Marine Corps’ May Request for Information seeking commercially available, non-developmental vehicles capable of rapid fielding. The lawmakers described the request as an important step toward preserving competition and ensuring qualified alternative production capacity remains available if performance challenges continue.

Oshkosh Defense, headquartered in Wisconsin, has delivered more than 25,000 JLTV A1 vehicles to U.S. and allied forces. The company is positioned to produce additional vehicles to help reduce the backlog, protect the Marine Corps’ fielding schedule, and restore needed competition to the program.

A copy of the letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger announced a $3.6 million industrial investment from Virginia Steel and Fabrication, Inc. to expand operational capabilities in Bland County, Virginia. According to a press release, this investment will support 52 new jobs. Following news of this announcement, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Earlier this year, I participated in a tour of the Virginia Steel plant in Bastian with Bland County Administrator Cameron Burton. We appreciate Virginia Steel leadership and officials for serving the interests of Virginia’s Ninth District with local manufacturing jobs, successful business practices and quality products.

“This $3.6 million investment by Virginia Steel and Fabrication represents a bright future for Bland County, which is hungry to make a difference in our economy.

“I will continue to support federal policies that help domestic manufacturing growth in rural America.”

BACKGROUND

In April 2026, Congressman Griffith toured Virginia Steel.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

 

Rep. Meeks Fights for Recognition of Staff Sgt. Angel Rampersad and U.S. Service Members Killed in Iran War

Queens, NY– U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) sent a letter to Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding the names of fallen U.S. service members Staff Sergeant Angel Rampersad, Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, Private Isabella Gonzales, and Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton be restored to the official count of the Iran War casualties under Operation Epic Fury on the Department of Defense’s website. 

The letter follows the Pentagon’s response to media reports alleging an intentional effort by the Trump Administration to minimize the war’s toll. In the Pentagon’s July 23, 2026, statement on X (formerly Twitter), they maintained that the removal of the service members’ names from the official death count from Operation Epic Fury was due to a “temporary data disruption,” yet no corrective action has been taken since.

Congressman Meeks wrote in the letter:

“Staff Sergeant Angel Rampersad, one of my constituents, made the ultimate sacrifice when a missile struck Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, killing her and three fellow U.S. service members. She served her country with honor and dedication, and she is remembered by her family, friends, and community for her commitment to serving others. The same is true for Lieutenant Feehan, Private Gonzales, and Sergeant Swinton. Each answered our nation’s call, and each deserves to have their sacrifice accurately recognized in the Department’s official historical record.”

Read the full letter by clicking the document attached 

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) attended the 53rd White Marlin Open, joining anglers, tournament organizers, local officials, and members of the Ocean City community during one of the Eastern Shore’s premier annual events.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“The White Marlin Open is one of the biggest weeks of the year for Ocean City. It brings visitors from across the country and keeps local marinas, charter boats, hotels, restaurants, and small businesses busy. That’s why maintaining the Ocean City Inlet is so important, and why I secured funding to dredge the federal navigation channel ahead of this year’s tournament.”

For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin a targeted sand replenishment project in Monmouth County, that may include sections of the towns of Monmouth Beach, Sea Bright, and Long Branch this winter.

The project solicitation was made public on July 22, and contractor bids are due by August 25.

Congressman Pallone secured $37 million in federal funding for the project, which will be matched with a combination of state and local funds. The base contract includes the area in Monmouth Beach from the Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion, north to the Monmouth Beach Bath and Tennis Club, as well as the area in Sea Bright from the Ship Ahoy beach club north. These were the areas that have experienced the worst sand erosion. The solicitation also includes an option in Sea Bright from Ship Ahoy south to the Sea Bright Public Beach, as well as the area in Long Branch north of Pier Village. The precise areas that will receive replenishment will be determined once the bids are submitted.

The project is expected to begin in late fall, finishing by March 2027.

“Thanks to months of partnership between the Army Corps of Engineers, state and local leaders, and my office, critical sand replenishment work will begin later this year in Monmouth County. These projects are essential to protecting our coastal communities, strengthening storm resilience, and preserving the Jersey Shore for future generations,” said Pallone.

“Beach replenishment is critical for a town like Monmouth Beach to protect our residents and their property. Over the last year, Residents delivered hundreds of letters to Congressman Pallone asking for assistance to help replenish our beach sand that we have seen erode with each storm. We are grateful to Congressman Pallone for listening and successfully securing funding for this project,” said Monmouth Beach Mayor Tim Somers.

“Over the last year, Sea Bright has seen alarming erosion of its beaches with the ocean in some places rising all the way to the sea wall,” said Sea Bright Mayor Brian Kelly. “I want to thank Congressman Pallone for his efforts to secure funding for this critical beach replenishment project to protect our residents, their homes, and our businesses.”

“Long Branch’s beaches not only provide natural beauty but act as critical protection against storms for our residents and businesses. Beach replenishment projects are a vital part of our city’s infrastructure. I am thankful to our federal government for their continued shore protection projects,” said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone.

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

Dear friend,

As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, making sure our servicemembers and their families have the pay, resources, and support they deserve is one of my top priorities.

That’s why I voted to pass this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. The bill expands support for servicemembers, strengthens our industrial base, and delivers major wins for Fort Bragg and defense projects in North Carolina.

Through the bill, I was able to secure more than $140 million in project authorizations for our district and state, resulting in one of the highest funding totals secured by any House member. I also helped secure additional investments at Fort Bragg and new legislative protections for special operators carrying out critical missions.

Here is a closer look at what we accomplished.

Delivering for Fort Bragg and North Carolina

Fort Bragg is home to some of the most elite warfighters in the world, serving as our nation’s global response force and undertaking critical missions all over the world. Therefore, it is imperative these warriors and their families have the best facilities, equipment, and support possible so they can maintain readiness and get the job done.

This year, I secured $65 million for a Special Operations Forces ammunition supply point and $6.4 million for a Special Operations Forces battalion operations facility at Fort Bragg. I also secured $69 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar for the North Carolina National Guard.

Together, those projects total more than $140 million for North Carolina.

I also helped secure additional investments, including:

• $50 million for a Special Operations Forces training facility at Fort Bragg
• $31 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar at Fort Bragg
• $10.5 million for reliable backup power at Fort Bragg
• $2.5 million for defense innovation in North Carolina

The bill also supports needed construction and maintenance at Fort Bragg and bolsters North Carolina’s defense innovation and industrial base.

As long as I have the honor of serving as Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I will keep fighting to give our servicemembers everything they need to complete their missions and come home safely.

Protecting Our Special Operators

Our special operators carry out some of the most dangerous and sensitive missions in the world. They and their families should never have to worry someone will expose their identities and put a target on their backs.

Earlier this year, I introduced the Special Operator Protection Act of 2026 after identifying information about a servicemember involved in a sensitive military operation was posted publicly.

Following my months-long push, this year’s defense bill includes new protections for special operators and other military personnel serving in sensitive units. Anyone who intentionally exposes an identity the government is actively working to keep secret could face prison time and fines.

This is an important step in the right direction, but my work is not finished. I will keep pushing for stronger protections for the personal information of our servicemembers and their families.

Giving Our Troops the Resources They Need

The men and women who put on the uniform make tremendous sacrifices to defend our country.

This year’s defense bill gives every servicemember a pay raise. That means more money in the pockets of military families working to pay their bills, buy groceries, and raise their children.

Our servicemembers deserve more than our gratitude. They deserve competitive pay, good housing, reliable child care and the best equipment in the world.

That is why the bill also invests $1.8 billion in new barracks and family housing, while improving education and child care for military families. When our troops know their loved ones are taken care of at home, they can focus on the mission ahead.

Rebuilding America’s Military Strength

The threats facing our country are growing. China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are watching closely for any sign of weakness.

Peace comes through strength. We prevent wars by making sure our enemies know America has the troops, weapons, and industrial strength to defeat any threat.

This year’s defense bill replenishes depleted weapons stockpiles, strengthens America’s missile defense, and speeds up the development of new technology. It also expands American defense manufacturing, opens the door to more small businesses, and creates skilled jobs here at home.

At the same time, the bill cuts nearly $30 billion in wasteful, Biden-era programs and pushes the Pentagon toward a clean financial audit. Every defense dollar should help our troops, strengthen readiness, or keep America safe.

A strong military begins with strong servicemembers and the American workers who build their equipment. House Republicans and I are making sure America can out-build, out-innovate, and out-produce any enemy.

 

More Work on the House Floor

The defense bill was not the only important work we completed over the past couple of weeks.

I was proud the House passed my bipartisan DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act. People with Down syndrome enrich our families and communities in so many ways. My bill strengthens federal research into Down syndrome and related health conditions so people living with it can lead longer, healthier lives and reach their full potential.

House Republicans also passed legislation to help Americans with disabilities who want to enter or return to the workforce. Outdated federal rules can punish people for trying to work by putting the benefits they still need at risk. This bill allows Social Security to test better approaches while protecting the income and benefits of everyone who volunteers to participate.

We also passed a budget resolution, taking the first step toward legislation focused on military preparedness, American agriculture, and election integrity. The House has now directed committees to begin developing legislation to replenish critical weapons stockpiles, support the farmers who feed our country, and ensure only American citizens vote in American elections.

I am working to secure each of those basic priorities.

Whether it is giving our troops a raise, strengthening Fort Bragg, protecting special operators, or helping Americans build a better life, my focus remains the same: delivering results for the people I represent and keeping our country safe.

Until next time,

Richard Hudson

Member of Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Congresswoman Amata Congratulates Fatiatamai Puapa’e Folau on Completion of APAICS Congressional Fellowship

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata congratulates Fatiatamai “Ma’i” Puapa’e Folau of Tafuna, American Samoa, on completing the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Congressional Fellowship, and now serving as a Legislative Correspondent in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Fatiatamai “Ma’i” Puapa’e Folau of Tafuna, American Samoa,

The daughter of Tapumanaia Elisaia Folau and Puapa’e Folau of Toamua, Upolu, Folau is fluent in English and Samoan. She earned a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and was selected as a Ronald E. McNair Scholar.

“Congratulations to Fatiatamai on this outstanding achievement,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Her dedication to public service and academic excellence reflects the remarkable talent of American Samoa. We are proud to see another Samoan serving with distinction on Capitol Hill and wish her continued success.”

APAICS is a nationally recognized, nonpartisan nonprofit organization that develops Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander leaders through congressional fellowships and leadership programs.

Folau completed the prestigious fellowship as the only Pacific Islander in her cohort. She now serves in the office of Representative Burgess Owens (Utah’s 4th Congressional District), where she manages legislative correspondence, supports constituent engagement, works on aviation policy, and leads a prayer group on Capitol Hill.

“It is an honor to serve in Congress and represent my community through public service,” said Folau. “I hope my journey encourages more young people from American Samoa to pursue opportunities in public service and leadership.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Los Angeles County Fire Department released their official investigation concluding that the January 7, 2025 Eaton Fire was caused by out-of-service equipment managed by Southern California Edison. 

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), who has led efforts in Congress to secure federal disaster assistance, tax relief, and long-term recovery resources for Eaton Fire survivors, released the following statement:
 

“Today’s findings from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Los Angeles County Fire Department confirm that out-of-service equipment managed by Southern California Edison sparked the Eaton Fire. This official determination is an important step toward accountability and justice for the survivors, their families, and our communities who have endured unimaginable loss over the past nineteen months. Southern California Edison must take every step necessary to help Altadena and Pasadena rebuild, and to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again. 

While today’s findings bring long-awaited clarity, they do not change the reality facing thousands of families who are still struggling to rebuild. Nineteen months later, two out of every three Eaton and Palisades survivors still have not returned home. That is why it is so important that President Trump and congressional Republicans immediately fulfill Governor Newsom’s disaster supplemental funding request in full—and with no strings attached— so survivors can finally complete the long road to recovery. The Senate must also immediately pass the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act so survivors are not taxed on the settlements they receive from Southern California Edison as they rebuild their homes and lives.”