MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Colombia Caucus Co-Chairs, Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL-26) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) relaunched the Congressional Colombia Caucus in the 119^th Congress and hosted a meeting with members of Congress of the Republic of Colombia.

The historic relationship between the U.S.-Colombia, spanning over two centuries, cannot be understated. As co-chairs, both Reps. Díaz-Balart and Cuellar have worked to strengthen this alliance, which has greatly benefitted both countries. They look forward to continuing to combat narcoterrorism and further the security interests of the United States and Colombia, as well as working with the people of Colombia and their Congress to advance common goals of stability, prosperity, and democratic governance.

The Congressional Colombia Caucus was founded in 2009 and has been active since.

The following members of the Congress of the Republic of Colombia were in attendance:

• Senator Efrain Cepeda Sarabia, President of the Colombian Congress
• Senator Mauricio Gomez Amin
• Senator Berenice Bedoya
• Senator Lorena Rios
• Senator Carlos Jimenez
• Senator Juan Carlos Garces
• Senator Nicolas Echeverri
• Senator Ana Paola Agudelo
• Senator Honorio Enríquez
• Representative Katherine Miranda
• Representative Carolina Arbelaez

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Díaz-Balart, Cuellar reactivan el Comité Parlamentario a favor de Colombia y se reúnen con miembros del Congreso colombiano

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, los copresidentes del Comité Parlamentario a favor de Colombia, los legisladores Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL-26) y Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), reactivaron el Comité Parlamentario a favor de Colombia en el 119º Congreso de EE.UU. y sostuvieron una reunión con miembros del Congreso de la República de Colombia. La histórica relación entre Estados Unidos y Colombia, que abarca más de dos siglos, no puede subestimarse y como copresidentes, los legisladores Díaz-Balart y Cuellar han trabajado para fortalecer esta alianza, que ha beneficiado enormemente a ambos países. Ambos legisladores esperan continuar combatiendo el narcoterrorismo y promoviendo los intereses de seguridad de Estados Unidos y Colombia, así como trabajar con el pueblo colombiano para avanzar en los objetivos comunes de establidad, prosperidad y gobernanza democrática. El Comité Parlamentario a favor de Colombia fue establecido en 2009 y ha estado activo desde entonces. Los siguentes miembros del Congreso de la República de Colombia estuvieron presentes en la reunión. Senador Efrain Cepeda Sarabia, presidente del Congreso colombiano Senador Mauricio Gomez Amin Senadora Berenice Bedoya Senadora Lorena Rios Senador Carlos Jimenez Senador Juan Carlos Garces Senador Nicolas Echeverri Senadora Ana Paola Agudelo Senador Honorio Enríquez Representante Katherine Miranda Representante Carolina Arbelaez ###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

– As Delivered –

Mr. Speaker,

Today I rise in disbelief at the troubling stories in The Atlantic magazine, of classified attack plans carelessly leaked by the US Department of Defense in reckless and dangerous fashion. Congress must conduct full independent, public, and private Congressional hearings. The highest national security, and intelligence leaders of our nation put American servicemembers lives at high risk.

All responsible must be held fully accountable, including through removal or resignation from their positions, and these include Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, CIA Director Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence Gabbard, Secretary of State Rubio, National Security Adviser Waltz, Chief of Staff Wiles, and Vice President Vance were among those involved in the plans Hegseth shared against DoD policy on a Signal group chat, on unsecured, non-government devices vulnerable to espionage. 

Hegseth failed to notice the group chat included a news editor and reporter with no security clearance. Only Lady Luck graced our nation, as their haphazard approach to war didn’t result in the death of American servicemembers who could have ended up at the bottom of the Red Sea or over foreign soil. Their reckless leak risked American lives and our security. 

As our Marine Corps Uncle would say: Shape up. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chair of the House Auto Caucus and a senior member of the House Appropriations and Budget Committees released the following statement on President Trump’s proposed 25% auto tariffs on Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, and Germany:

 “We must do more to address the US manufacturing and technology job washout in the automotive and transportation industries. This will require a lot more than a 25% tariff on automotive imports. We must reinvest in American manufacturing and the working-class communities across our country that have been hollowed out due to broken trade deals and the burden of outsourcing. I urge the Trump administration to work with Congress and assemble a task force to carefully negotiate reciprocity agreements related to the VAT tax that accelerated foreign imports into the US for decades, eroding American production,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09).

 “I urge all involved to ensure that the United Auto Workers be given a seat and a say at the table, and are front and center of any strategy being implemented to champion American automobile production. They need assurances that the benefits of onshoring auto production at living and fair wages mean stability and continuity for those who work hard and constitute the spine of a strong American manufacturing economy. We cannot forget those who have fought to keep our industrial regions alive, well, and competitive — such as at Toledo Jeep, General Motors, and the Ford Motor Company. As a grateful daughter of UAW workers, I know what the union way of life means — it means better wages, job security, good benefits, safety on the job, and a secure retirement,” continued Congresswoman Kaptur.

“Working-class communities have been the made the victim for decades of industrial outsourcing of critical machining and tooling technologies, metals and alloys forming, assembly, and even the innovation of manufacturing machines themselves. We must also recognize and invest in the vital role of mechanics, technicians, machinists, and repair specialists in designing and inventing the future of overground propulsion. America has a long road ahead in rebuilding its industrial capacity, and we welcome the challenge,” concluded Congresswoman Kaptur. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27) reintroduced the American Families United Act. This bipartisan legislation is designed to preserve and promote family unity by amending the Immigration and Nationality Act to help millions of U.S. citizens reunite with their loved ones.

“There are hundreds of thousands of American families today who have been forced to live apart or relocate to another country because of draconian provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act that prevent undocumented spouses of Americans from getting any legal protections whatsoever,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “Americans recognize that it is in our country’s best interests to restore legal pathways for immigrants and keep families together, and the bipartisan American Families United Act is a critical step in the right direction. I look to working with my colleagues to advance this crucial legislation”

“The American Families United Act benefits U.S. citizens, promotes family unity, and prioritizes keeping families together,”  said Congresswoman Salazar. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation that reinforces America’s commitment to the rule of law and respects the dignity of families.”

The American Families United Act would:

• Protect the rights and interests of U.S. citizens in our immigration system,
• Help certain U.S. citizens to sponsor their spouses and children for a green card as an immediate relative, which would benefit those spouses and children of U.S. citizens who are not eligible for a green card due to certain eligibility bars in our immigration laws.
• Gives immigration judges and officers (within the Department of Homeland Security) the authority to waive, on a case-by-case basis, certain grounds of inadmissibility or deportability if the denial of immigration status or removal would result in hardship to a U.S. citizen spouse, parent, or child. 
• Allows certain spouses of U.S. citizens who previously have been denied—but would be eligible under this bill—to file a motion to reopen with the Immigration Court or Department of Homeland Security and reapply for a green card.

Congresswoman Escobar has introduced the American Families United Act every Congress since she was first elected (the 116th and 117th). Although she and Representative Salazar introduced it as a stand-alone bill in the 118th Congress, they also included it as part of their bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform package known as the Dignity Act. 

The American Families United Act is co-sponsored by Representatives Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Greg Casar (TX-35), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Suzan DelBene (DA-01), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jesús ‘Chuy’ García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Mike Levin (CA-49), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Paul Tonko (NY-20).

It is endorsed by Hope Border Institute, Estrella del Paso, Immigration Hub, American Immigration Lawyers Association, FWD.us, Service Employees International Union, among others.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON– In a new op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle by Rep. Ilhan Omar and former Rep. Mike Honda, they expose how Trump is weaponizing Alien Enemies Act to carry out indiscriminate deportations and lay the groundwork for further attacks on immigrant communities. Rep. Omar has long warned about this risk. She introduced the Neighbors Not Enemies Act to repeal this law, understanding the dangers it poses in the hands of someone like Donald Trump.

The article can be found here.

Full article below:

Trump is now warping the same legal mechanism that led to Japanese American incarceration

The president just invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 — and he isn’t even using it as the law was intended. 

By Mike Honda and Ilhan Omar

President Donald Trump just invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. This is the first time in our nation’s history that this xenophobic law has been invoked outside of war. Now, Trump is trying to use this act, unlawfully, to justify indiscriminate detention and deportation of people without any oversight or recourse.

The last time the Alien Enemies Act was invoked, it was used to incarcerate tens of thousands of Japanese, German and Italian immigrants during World War II — setting into motion one of the most shameful chapters in American history. The act’s detention scheme, already a mass violation of rights, paved the way for Executive Order 9066 and the imprisonment of over 110,000 innocent American civilians, many of them citizens, based solely on their ancestry.

As someone who was incarcerated as an infant at the Camp Amache concentration camp in Colorado (Former Rep. Mike Honda, D-Silicon Valley) and as a refugee and the first Somali American member of Congress (Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.), we know how incarceration policies can shatter and separate families under the guise of national security, and also unjustly labeled Americans as “dangerous” based on where they or their parents had been born. Having your allegiance to the country you call home questioned inflicts an unspeakable pain that remains for so many families who endured this terror.

While it’s been over 80 years since this law was last invoked, its revival under Trump proves his administration has learned nothing from that dark chapter in our history.

Moreover, Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act isn’t just morally abhorrent, it is a huge legal stretch.

The law was written for times of declared war or an armed attack against the United States. Its plain text conditions its use for “whenever there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign nation or government, or any invasion or predatory incursion is perpetrated, attempted, or threatened against the territory of the United States by any foreign nation or government.”

Trump’s justification for using the act — that transnational criminal gangs are foreign governments at war with the United States or that migration from Venezuela constitutes an invasion by a foreign nation — is beyond any reasonable interpretation of the law and of reality.

The act’s authority is already an unacceptable violation of civil and human rights even in times of war — to invoke it now, in peacetime and based on lies, is a travesty.

While Trump is raising the Alien Enemies Act under the guise of targeting transnational criminal gangs, that’s not how the Alien Enemies Act works. The law targets people based on their nationality, not based on their behavior. It specifically allows, after a declaration of war or an invasion, for “all natives, citizens, denizens, or subjects of the hostile nation or government, being of the age of fourteen years and upward, who shall be within the United States and not actually naturalized, shall be liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as alien enemies.” That the Trump administration is not even alleging that there is a “hostile nation or government” in this case represents an unprecedented — and illegal — expansion of the already notorious authorities the law provides. 

When the Trump administration tells you this is about stopping cartels, please do not fall for the lies.

People with proven connections to violent transnational gangs can already be deported. Under current immigration laws, membership in terrorist organizations or a conviction in several categories of crimes are grounds for deportation.

The Alien Enemies Act doesn’t allow for the targeting of one gang, it applies to all Venezuelans. This includes green card holders. It includes people who are themselves victims of cartels and gangs.

We need to be clear about what this could mean for the thousands of families who could have their lives upended. Parents could be separated from the ones they love and the country they love. Young people will have their futures and dreams torn apart. It is hard to imagine a more essential betrayal of our founding values than that.

America is too great to fall prey to Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda — we need to employ basic humanity in our immigration system.

The Neighbors Not Enemies Act was introduced by Rep. Ilhan Omar and Sen. Mazie Hirono in 2020 to repeal this draconian law because we understood the risk it poses in the hands of someone like Donald Trump.

The Neighbors Not Enemies Act repeals a harmful law and ensures no one is deported based on fear and prejudice and without due process. We cannot allow antiquated laws, particularly those with a legacy as shameful as this one, to continue enabling discriminatory practices that harm immigrant communities.

The U.S. government issued formal apologies and reparations to Japanese American victims of imprisonment under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. However, the underlying legal authority that allowed the incarceration was never repealed, perhaps because people wrongly believed that our national contrition over what happened meant the law would never be abused again. It is stunning that we are once again in this position.

It will take all of us to end this xenophobic law once and for all.

Former Rep. Mike Honda, a third-generation Japanese American, represented Silicon Valley in the House of Representatives for 16 years. Rep. Ilhan Omar represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., introduced the First Responders Retirement Parity Act, legislation to provide greater access to pension plans for North Carolina first responders. This bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code and Employee Retirement Income Security Act to include full-time nonprofit firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) workers in governmental pension plans. Currently, full-time nonprofit emergency providers are not eligible to participate in North Carolina’s pension plan due to federal law.

“North Carolinians depend on the selfless service of first responders every single day,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “It is only fitting that these dedicated individuals should be able to depend on the government to provide them with a reliable retirement plan. The First Responders Retirement Parity Act ensures just compensation for their contributions to community safety and support for when their service comes to an end.”

“I thank Dr. Murphy for introducing this legislation,” said Fire Chief Josh Waldo, IAFC President and Board Chair. “No matter who employees them – firefighters face the same risks and dangers. They should be treated fairly and be eligible for the same state benefits. I urge Congress to pass this legislation this year.”

“I commend Rep. Murphy for his leadership in introducing this important legislation to allow paid firefighters and EMS personnel in non-profit departments receive the retirement benefits they’ve earned through serving their communities,” said Steven W. Hirsch, Chair, National Volunteer Fire Council.

“North Carolina’s non-profit firefighters voluntarily run toward danger to protect our citizens and communities, yet they are unable to join the state pension plan due to federal law,” said Congressman Chuck Edwards. “The Ensuring NC First Responders Receive Greater Access to Pension Plans Act is a commonsense bill that would give volunteer firefighters access to the secure retirement benefits that they have rightfully earned.”

“North Carolina’s firefighters and EMS personnel, like those involved in the Hurricane Helene relief efforts, risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Richard Hudson. “These brave heroes deserve access to the same retirement benefits as their state-employed counterparts. I’m proud to support this legislation to ensure they are taken care of.”

“Western North Carolina has recently faced major challenges from Hurricane Helene to wildfires that have threatened homes, lives, and entire communities — but our first responders stepped up to protect their neighbors without hesitation,” said Congressman Tim Moore. “I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation to ensure these heroes can earn retirement benefits that reflect their service and sacrifice. I want every firefighter and EMS worker in Western North Carolina to know that we value you and we’re working to make sure you’re taken care of.”

“This critical legislation will provide our dedicated first responders with the pension benefits they rightfully deserve,” said Congressman David Rouzer. “Our firefighters and EMS workers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, and it’s time we ensure they have the financial security they need after years of service. This bill reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting those who serve us selflessly. I am grateful to stand alongside my colleagues in this important effort to honor our heroes.”

Background
Current law prevents full-time nonprofit firefighters and EMS workers from joining the state retirement system. In North Carolina, 74% of fire departments are non-profit and employ 5,527 paid personnel who could be affected.

The First Responders Retirement Parity Act would provide clarity by stating that these fire and EMS personnel can join their state/local retirement system. 

You can read the bill here.

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

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (R-GA-12) and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09) introduced the Telling Everyone the Location of Data Leaving the U.S. Act (TELL Act), to protect American data from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Upon introducing the bill, Congressman Allen and Congresswoman Kaptur issued the following statements:

“Communist China has consistently proven it will stop at nothing to undermine U.S. national security interests, including the exploitation of sensitive information,” said Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12). “The TELL Act will help ensure Americans’ personal data does not fall into the hands of the CCP regime, while also delivering much-needed accountability. As data security becomes increasingly important to the American people, I am proud to introduce this legislation to strengthen privacy protection laws and build on President Trump’s peace-through-strength agenda.”

“The American people should not be at risk for exploitation by China or CCP state aligned companies mining their data. In the 21st century, we must ensure that our people know who has access to their data, and actively work to safeguard protections defending personal information from our adversaries,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Our bipartisan legislation will strengthen consumer protection and allow the American public to know if their data has been compromised by China or Chinese state owned companies.”

BACKGROUND: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has broad federal jurisdiction over consumer data use and privacy. The TELL Act would enable the FTC to endorse rules that would make it easier for Americans to know if China has compromised their data and if it is being stored, transferred, or exposed to China or companies owned by the Chinese Communist Party. Under this legislation, failing to disclose this information or providing false information will result in civil fines from the FTC.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin), Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, joined by Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), led 74 lawmakers in calling on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to rein in wasteful taxpayer overpayments to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and enact other reforms to protect consumers’ access to health care. Unlike Traditional Medicare, MA plans are administered by private insurers and have been found to be fraught with waste and abuse while sacrificing patient outcomes for higher corporate profit and threatening the overall solvency of Medicare. 

“Initially promoted as a way to save taxpayer dollars and improve quality of care, the Medicare Advantage program has continuously cost more than if the same enrollees were covered by Traditional Medicare and has not improved health outcomes. We strongly urge you to rein in the wasteful and harmful practices committed by corporate health insurers in MA,” wrote the Members.

The private insurance companies running MA plans mislead the public by claiming their plans save money and improve care. However, private insurers in MA overcharged taxpayers by at least $83 billion in 2024 alone without any improvements to the quality of care for patients. These overpayments to private insurers threaten the stability of the entire Medicare program for the 65 million Americans who rely on it. 

“At a time when Americans are paying nearly $26,000 per family in premiums per year, while the largest US insurer made $23 billion in annual profits, reining in profiteering could not be more important,” continued the Members. 

The Members are specifically calling on CMS and the Department of Health and Human Services to take the following actions: 

• Eliminate waste and abuse from overpayments by improving risk adjustment calculations in the proposed 2026 Medicare Advantage Rate Notice;
• Strictly enforce the overpayment regulations for Medicare Advantage Organizations outlined in the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule;
• Strengthen enforcement against MA insurers that illegally deny care;
• Address additional barriers to care, including by enforcing statutory requirements compelling insurers to disclose the methodology behind algorithms used for coverage decisions, and;
• Enact reforms to reduce disparities in care.

“We cannot continue to allow Medicare Advantage to be a source of profit for greedy companies and suffering for seniors and people with disabilities. Medicare Advantage has never delivered on the promise of actually lowering the cost or improving the quality of care,” said Eagan Kemp, Health Care Policy Advocate for Public Citizen. “In the short term, there must be enhanced oversight of the Medicare Advantage program to ensure enrollees get the care they need and bring down unnecessary overpayments. In the long run, we must improve and expand traditional Medicare to guarantee it is around for decades to come.”

The letter is cosigned by Alma Adams (NC-12), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Danny Davis (IL-07), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Al Green (TX-09), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Henry Johnson (GA-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), George Latimer (NY-16), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Robert Scott (VA-03), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Lauren Underwood (IL-04), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05). 

This letter is endorsed by: Families USA, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Public Citizen, National Nurses United, MoveOn, Be a Hero, United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Center for Health and Democracy, Center for Health Progress, Healthcare NOW, Progressive Democrats of America, Physicians for a National Health Program, Just Care USA, Social Security Works, Consumers Council of Missouri, People’s Action, The People’s Lobby, Progressive Maryland, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Connecticut Citizen Action Group (CCAG), Physicians for a National Health Program of Minnesota, PSARA (Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action), Michigan United, and Citizen Action of New York. 

The full text of the letter can be read here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

Would permit Cuban athletes to play in U.S. on non-immigrant visas