MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, authored and introduced the Building Resilient Innovation, Digital Growth, and Entrepreneurship with Africa Act (BRIDGE Africa Act), a bipartisan bill which would strengthen technology and artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships between the United States and key African nations.  The bill is co-led by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC).

Africa is experiencing rapid growth in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the tech and AI sectors. However, the continent continues to face challenges such as limited access to capital, fragmented regulatory systems, and gaps in infrastructure and training.  The BRIDGE Africa Act would address these barriers by fostering sustainable growth through coordinated U.S. investment, digital cooperation, and high-level diplomacy.

“Too often, opportunities for strategic partnership in Africa’s fast-growing tech sector are overlooked due to outdated assumptions and fragmented policy,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan BRIDGE Africa Act would support entrepreneurs, strengthen democratic governance, and open up new markets for U.S. goods and services.  Strengthening these ties will not only promote shared economic prosperity, but also bolster mutual security and digital resilience on the African continent and across the globe.”

“It is critical that African leaders see the U.S. as an ally, as the world turns to Africa for the future of innovation and development.  The Chinese Communist Party is hard at work trying to exploit the people of Africa, and it is key that the U.S. offer an alternative path supporting innovation directly in nations that are eager to work together for a brighter future,” said Rep. Wilson.

Key provisions of the BRIDGE Africa Act include:

• Strategy Development: Requires the administration to develop a comprehensive U.S. strategy to advance technology and innovation partnerships with select African countries within one year. This strategy will address joint research initiatives, digital training, intellectual property protections, and market access barriers.
• Summit on Technology and Innovation: Directs the Secretary of State to convene a high-level summit in Africa to coordinate investment, promote innovation, and align cross-sector cooperation among governments, entrepreneurs, and academic leaders.

The BRIDGE Africa Act underscores a growing bipartisan recognition of Africa’s economic and technological potential and the strategic importance of investing in resilient, future-facing partnerships on the continent.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Santa Cruz, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) issued the following statement in response to the closure of the Planned Parenthood Westside Health Center in Santa Cruz:

“The closure of the Westside Planned Parenthood clinic is a direct result of President Donald Trump’s reconciliation law and its cuts to Medicaid. Although most of the Medicaid cuts don’t begin until 2027, the law imposes a one-year ban starting on July 4, 2025, for providers that received over $800,000 in federal funds in 2023 and conduct reproductive healthcare. That provision clearly is designed to hit Planned Parenthood networks like Mar Monte, which meet those thresholds and serve numerous patients across California.

“A legal challenge initially delayed implementation of those provisions.  This week, however, a federal District Court ruled to allow parts of the law to move forward, directly impacting funding for clinics like ours in Santa Cruz.  These cuts undermine a major part of the health care safety net for women and families, not just in our 19th Congressional District, but all across California.

“Through legislation, litigation, and coordination with state and local leaders, we will continue to fight back. I’m proud to support the Restoring Essential Health Care Act, which would repeal this reckless provision and restore Medicaid funding for comprehensive reproductive care.  In the meantime, I’ve also reached out to Planned Parenthood Mar Monte and Governor Gavin Newsom’s office to explore legal and state-level options to keep clinics open and patients protected.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

CHICAGO– U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) joined environmental advocates in speaking out against the Trump administration’s plans to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Endangerment Finding.” This key finding has been the foundation and legal underpinning for EPA’s responsibility to mitigate the effects of climate pollution.

“Big Polluters poured $1 billion into President Trump’s reelection campaign, and he’s now repaying them by stripping the ‘Endangerment Finding,’ which will endanger our environment and public health,” said Rep. Kelly. “I refuse to let a bully like President Trump and his special interests stomp over our climate protections and health. I’ve gone toe to toe against bullies – and won. They may have more money, but we have the power of truth, of science, and of the American people.”

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (IL-11) and EPA workers represented by the American Federation of Government Employees Local 704 were also at the press conference.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement on the crisis in Gaza:

“The growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires urgent action as children, Palestinians — and even the doctors who are treating malnutrition — starve. Thousands of trucks with food are waiting to enter Gaza, but Prime Minister Netanyahu is clearly not seeing what the rest of the world sees. News outlets and humanitarian organizations are reporting horrific photos and videos of starving children. Airdrops with minimal aid is not enough; Israel must allow food and medicine to safely flow into the region for Palestinians. The Trump administration must act now to facilitate and bring aid. The world cannot turn a blind eye to the starvation and death of children and civilians.

“All people want to live in peace. Restoring the ceasefire negotiated by the Biden administration is a first step toward releasing the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Ultimately, we need a two-state solution with a secure Israel and a self-determined Palestinian state to achieve stability, recovery and prosperity for the region.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on Trump’s bizarre social media attacks on President Obama and Republicans’ efforts to rewrite history on Trump’s behalf:

“Donald Trump disrespects the office of the presidency every single day, but this week, he took things to a new low. Trump’s use of an AI-generated video of President Obama was deeply unsettling. First, for the ongoing insinuation that he would arrest his political rivals. Second, for his continued rejection of the widely accepted conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. In 2017, the entire Intelligence Community, and Senate Republicans led by Marco Rubio, reached this conclusion. As someone who took part in the investigation, allow me to remind Trump and Republicans that despite their best efforts, the truth remains.”

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

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. outlined the major wins of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) in a newly released op-ed, pushing back on false media narratives and highlighting the real benefits for Marylanders.

“Marylanders deserve the truth about the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) — and they’re not getting it from the mainstream media. Much of the coverage has been filled with spin, fearmongering and outright falsehoods about what this bill does and doesn’t do. Let’s set the record straight.

First, I was initially hesitant to support this bill — and for good reason. As a fiscal conservative, I raised concerns about its potential to add to the deficit. Those concerns were not just for show; I withheld support to ensure Maryland taxpayers wouldn’t be saddled with more Washington debt.

Because conservatives pushed back, major changes were secured before the final vote. Among the wins:

Stronger Medicaid integrity provisions were included to stop states from improperly paying benefits — including to illegal immigrants — while protecting care for truly needy Marylanders. 

Green New Scam rollbacks, ensuring Maryland families and businesses aren’t burdened with radical energy mandates that drive up costs. This is especially essential as offshore wind adversely affects watermen, communities, and constituents in my district. 

Strengthening work requirements: The One Big Beautiful Bill strengthens common-sense work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving federal government assistance on the taxpayer dime — an important step toward restoring the dignity of work and ensuring taxpayer dollars aren’t used for those who choose not to work. 

The full piece is available HERE. 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced that the application process for nominations to the U.S. Service Academies is now open for students hoping to join the Class of 2030. Congressman Harris will consider qualified applicants from Maryland’s First Congressional District for nomination to the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy.

Each year, Congressman Harris nominates exceptional students to the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy. While the Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination, Congressman Harris may recommend qualified applicants. 

Applicants are evaluated on academics, SAT/ACT test scores, physical aptitude, extracurriculars, and a panel interview. The deadline to apply for a nomination is October 31, 2025. Interviews will be conducted in the fall, and the Service Academies will receive Congressman Harris’ official nominations by December 31, 2025. 

Statement from Congressman Harris: 
“These academies develop leaders of character committed to serving our nation. I’m proud to nominate outstanding students from Maryland’s First District to these prestigious institutions,” Congressman Andy Harris said.

Students can complete the nomination application HERE.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), introduced the Blue Shield Privacy Act of 2025. This legislation updates 18 U.S.C. §119 to protect police officers and their families from targeted doxing attacks. 

“In today’s climate, law enforcement is being increasingly targeted online as a form of political retaliation and intimidation,” said Congressman Williams. “As digital threats against officers continue to rise, this bill fills a critical gap by accounting for new technological advances to ensure those who serve and protect can do so without fear of being doxed.” 

Read the bill text here.

Background:

• Amends 18 U.S.C. § 119, which has not been updated since 2008, to include license plate numbers, biometric data, workplace and school addresses, and GPS coordinates to the definition of ‘restricted personal information’.

Cosponsors: Reps. Brian Babin (TX-36), Barry Moore (AL-01), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Mary Miller (IL-15), and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13).

Supporting Organizations: Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and The Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA).

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Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, President Donald Trump signed Congressman David Kustoff’s (R-TN) bill H.R. 517, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, into law. This new law will provide relief for taxpayers impacted by natural disasters and emergencies. 

“I thank President Trump for signing my bill, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, into law today,” said Congressman Kustoff. “This new law provides critical relief for all Americans when tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, flooding and other calamities affect communities across the nation. When disaster strikes, the last thing families and businesses should have to worry about is missing a tax deadline or paying Uncle Sam. The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act will ensure that these victims have the flexibility they need to rebuild and recover.” 

Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) was an original cosponsor of this legislation that passed the House of Representatives on March 31, 2025. Click here to watch Congressman Kustoff’s remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Photos from the Day: 
 

 

Background:
Currently, the U.S. Department of Treasury has the authority to postpone tax filing deadlines to taxpayers affected by federally-declared disasters. However, this does not extend to state-level emergencies. The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act would authorize the Treasury, in consultation with FEMA, to extend relief to impacted taxpayers as soon as the governor of a state declares a disaster or state of emergency. This legislation would also expand the current mandatory extension following a federally-declared disaster declaration from 60 to 120 days.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced his introduction of H.R. 4449, the Advocating for Small Business Act, alongside Republican Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). This bipartisan bill seeks to give small businesses in South Texas, New York, and across the country greater representation during the rule-making process at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The bill recently was reported favorably out of U.S. House Financial Services Committee (watch a video of Congressman Gonzalez’s remarks in committee HERE).

Among other objectives, the SEC is primarily responsible for enacting rules that both protect investors and help businesses raise the capital they need to grow and create jobs.

However, there is currently no dedicated office within the SEC that represents small business interests during the rulemaking process. This bill would correct that by establishing Offices of Small Business within each of the SEC’s rulemaking divisions—making the SEC more responsive and accessible to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses are the backbone of every community across the country and it’s time federal regulators, like the Securities and Exchange Commission, take their concerns and ideas seriously,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Day after day, year after year, I hear from small business owners in South Texas about the challenges they face in complying with rules and regulations that are designed with only the biggest businesses in mind.  Businesses of all sizes are confronting rising prices due to tariffs and a national worker shortage, and our small businesses are especially feeling the pinch. I am proud to work with my colleague, Congressman Garbarino, on a bipartisan bill that will give our small businesses a greater voice in Washington.”

“If we want more small businesses to grow, succeed, and access capital here at home, we need rules that support innovation and open doors for investment. I was proud to partner with Congressman Gonzalez on this commonsense bill to make sure small businesses have a real voice in SEC policymaking, and I am glad to see it moving forward,” said Congressman Garbarino.

Congressman Gonzalez has previously announced actions on behalf of South Texas small businesses to alleviate the worker shortage, boost our local economy, and find commonsense solutions in response to the Administration’s mass deportation policies. Read more about this HERE.

Read the full text of the bill HERE.

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