MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

QUEENS, NY – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) hailed the MTA’s announcement of elevators for Queens subway stations in Rego Park and Elmhurst.

These two subway facilities include the 63rd Drive-Rego Park Station and the Grand Avenue-Newtown Station.

“I have long championed accessibility upgrades for our mass transit system in Queens and I’m thrilled that elevators will now be coming to these communities,” said Meng. “I am also proud to have pushed for elevators at the Rego Park Station. The upgrades in Rego Park and Elmhurst will make life easier for so many people. Our subways play a vital role in our borough, getting people where they need to go, and all Queens residents deserve easy access to them. They should not be out of reach to anybody, and I will continue pushing for even more improvements throughout our neighborhoods.”

In 2022, Meng, joined by transit riders, transit advocates and disability rights activists, gathered at the 63rd Drive-Rego Park Subway Station to call for more accessible subway stations. 

The improvements for Rego Park and Elmhurst are part of a plan for an additional 12 stations across four boroughs that will receive elevators and other accessibility upgrades.

Both Rego Park and Elmhurst are located in Meng’s congressional district.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

Event featured Astronaut Dr. Jonny Kim answering students’ questions from the International Space Station; Special Earth-to-space video call took place at New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee’s Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after U.S. and Australian officials announced Australia will lift restrictions on import of beef from the U.S.

“While Australia is a valuable trading partner, their long-standing restrictions on U.S. beef were neither right nor reciprocal. The removal of these unscientific and unfair barriers, while long overdue, sends a strong message regarding the safety and quality of American agriculture products. This progress shows what can be achieved when a president is fully engaged and willing to stand up for American farmers and ranchers. I thank President Trump and his entire administration for their work to address this matter.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), along with Reps. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Vince Fong (R-CA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) announced the formation of the Modern Agriculture Caucus and released the following statements.

“I see great opportunity to bring awareness and support to innovative efforts of American farmers and ranchers feeding and fueling the world. As Nebraska’s third district leads the Nation in agricultural production, I’ve seen first-hand the benefit modern agriculture practices provide for both producers and consumers,” said Chair Smith. “Through this caucus, we will champion policy which promotes cutting-edge technologies, stewardship of our natural resources, as well as the development and protection of U.S. agricultural innovation and intellectual property. I thank each vice chair for joining in this effort, and I look forward to all we will accomplish for agriculture across America.”

“I am pleased to join Representative Smith’s Modern Agriculture Caucus as Vice Chair of Biotechnology,” said Vice Chair Lucas. “This caucus will bring together a cross section of agriculture focused legislators to educate and advocate on the agricultural issues affecting farmers today. As the current subcommittee Chairman of Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology on the House Agriculture Committee, I am looking forward to exploring new ways to champion agricultural research and biotechnology issues through this caucus.”

“As a fourth-generation farmer, I’ve seen firsthand the advances in technology that have taken place in agriculture over the past few decades,” said Vice Chair Finstad. “My dad always said he’d retire from farming when the tractors drive themselves, and now my kids plant our fields using an iPad. American farmers are the most efficient producers in the world, and I’m honored to serve as Vice Chair of Emerging Innovations for the Modern Ag Caucus to help promote the latest, greatest technology in the hands of farmers, allowing them to maximize yields, increase production, and decrease input costs better than ever before.”

“I’m honored to serve as Vice Chair of Precision Agriculture as a member of the Modern Agriculture Caucus,” said Vice Chair Houchin. “I’ve seen how emerging technologies and improved connectivity, especially rural broadband, can transform the way we farm. Precision ag supports American farmers and helps ensure the U.S. remains the global leader in agriculture.”

“It’s an honor to serve as Vice Chair of Smart Irrigation for the Modern Ag Caucus as my district is the food-producing capital of California,” said Vice Chair Fong. “As technology advances, we must leverage innovation to strengthen our agriculture industry in my state and across the nation. With Western farmers facing increasingly volatile water cycles, driving smart, sustainable practices through the Modern Ag Caucus is essential. I’m committed to advancing cutting-edge solutions that improve water efficiency – helping our farmers not just grow more food, but thrive for generations to come.”

“Technological advancements and automation have helped producers improve crop yields and equipped America’s agricultural community to feed, clothe, and provide fuel to more people than ever imagined,” said Vice Chair Mann.  “Over the next decade, artificial intelligence has the potential to improve agriculture in ways that will only bolster efficiency and further allow our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers to meet the needs of a growing world. It is a privilege to serve as Vice Chair of Automation and AI for the Modern Ag Caucus as we watch this technology develop in real time and improve the capabilities of American agriculture to do good around the globe.”

“I am proud to help launch the Modern Agriculture Caucus as the Vice Chair of Food Affordability,” said Vice Chair Bresnahan. “Every American family deserves access to affordable, nutritious food, and that promise depends on the strength of modern agriculture. By embracing innovative techniques that allow our farmers to grow more food using more efficient, sustainable practices, we ensure that affordable food remains within reach for every table.”

“The Trump Administration and Congress know how important agricultural innovation and technology are to farming. This is why we are blessed as a nation with a safe, nutritious, and abundant food supply. I look forward to working with Congress and this new caucus to advance key agricultural priorities that improve the economic and production capacity of our agricultural sector. When our farmers and ranchers have the innovative tools to succeed, rural America prospers and our whole country benefits,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. 

“American agriculture is at the forefront of science, technology, and innovation, and that’s exactly where it belongs,” said House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson. “The Modern Agriculture Caucus will champion policies that embrace cutting-edge advancements like precision agriculture, support sustainable farming practices, and protect the intellectual property that underpins our global leadership.”

The Modern Agriculture Caucus supports and advances cutting-edge practices to increase food production, improve farm efficiency, and strengthen American leadership in global food security. Through effective policymaking the caucus advocates for innovation, education, and responsible legislation for the agriculture industry.

Full list of Modern Agriculture Caucus leadership is as follows:

Caucus Chairman – Rep. Adrian Smith
Vice Chair of Precision Agriculture – Rep. Erin Houchin
Vice Chair of Biotechnology – Rep. Frank Lucas
Vice Chair of Food Affordability – Rep. Rob Bresnahan
Vice Chair of Emerging Innovations – Rep. Brad Finstad
Vice Chair of Smart Irrigation – Rep. Vince Fong
Vice Chair of Automation & AI – Rep. Tracey Mann

Additional members of the caucus include: Reps. Marianette Miller Meeks (R-IA), Jim Baird (R-IN), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Flood (R-NE), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Tony Wied (R-WI), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), David Valadao (R-CA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), David Rouzer (R-NC), and Ann Wagner (R-MO).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Critical Minerals Investment Tax Modernization Act. The legislation would expand tax relief to support production of certain critical minerals important to national and economic security.  

“Embracing our nation’s full capacity to produce critical minerals at home is essential to growing our economy, strengthening supply chains for key industries, and keeping our homeland secure,” said Rep. Smith. “This bill will modernize existing tax deductions to boost domestic production and ensure the United States can meet the growing need for these valuable elements. I thank Reps. Panetta and Reschenthaler for working with me on this legislation.” 

“Right now, our tax code doesn’t reflect the growing need for critical minerals that support our national security and clean energy future,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our bipartisan Critical Minerals Investment Tax Modernization Act would update outdated IRS rules to prioritize all U.S.-designated critical minerals. This commonsense step will help boost domestic production, reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries, and strengthen our supply chains.” 

“U.S dependence on China for critical minerals is unsustainable and a threat to our national security,” said Rep. Reschenthaler. “Updating our critical minerals list is a necessary action to remove a bureaucratic hurdle and meet the growing needs of our nation, including for critical technologies. As the co-chairman of the Critical Materials Caucus, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues and thank Rep. Adrian Smith for his leadership on this important issue.” 

Currently, the tax code allows producers of critical minerals to recover a percentage of gross income known as a depletion allowance. At this time, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides a 22 percent allowance for the highest-priority minerals, and a 14 percent allowance for certain other minerals. The Critical Minerals Investment Tax Modernization Act would amend the tax code to place rare earths and scandium in the 22 percent depletion category. 

Read the text of the bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee’s Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after the United States and the European Union announced a deal to lower trade barriers and expand mutual investment.

“This announcement breaks new ground for trade relations with our partners in the European Union. The EU has long posed significant tariff and non-tariff barriers to American goods and services. President Trump and his negotiating team have secured powerful commitments which, if upheld, will unlock meaningful market access for American manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, and digital companies. The deal will also strengthen supply chains critical for shared economic and national security. I salute the work of President Trump and Ambassador Jamieson Greer, who continue to be relentless in the president’s mission to establish a level playing field for our world-leading producers and innovators.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

PHILADELPHIA (July 23, 2025) – Congressman Dwight Evans’ (D-PA-3) office will hold a series of “Congress Comes to You” constituent service events, starting Monday, July 28 in Roxborough.

“From issues with passports, immigration, the Postal Service, IRS, and Social Security to the Department of Veterans Affairs – my office is here to help!” Evans said.

All events will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. except where noted:

● Monday, July 28: Roxborough Library, 6245 Ridge Ave., 19128

● Monday, Aug. 4: Blanche A. Nixon Library, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway, 19143

● Tuesday, Aug. 5: South Philadelphia Library, 1700 S. Broad St., 19145

● Tuesday, Aug. 19, 4-6 p.m., Nicetown-Tioga Library, 3720 N. Broad St., 19140

● Wednesday, Aug. 20, 5-8 p.m., Philadelphia Zoo Community Night, 3400 W. Girard Ave., 19104

● Monday, Aug. 25, Queen Memorial Library, 1201 S. 23rd St., 19146

● Monday, Sept. 22, Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, 68 W. Chelten Ave., 19144 

● Tuesday, Sept. 23, Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave., 19129 

Evans also maintains two full-time offices in Philadelphia:

● Northwest Philadelphia: 7174 Ogontz Ave., 19138, phone (215) 276-0340

● Point Breeze: 1310 Point Breeze Ave., 19146, phone (215) 254-3400

Evans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. He recently announced that his office returned to or saved $4.5 million for constituents in 2024 in cases involving federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. The 2024 figure brings Evans’ office’s total to more than $45.5 million returned to or saved for constituents during his first eight years in Congress.

Evans’ website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on YouTube, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

BUTLER, PA — During a ceremony on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) named Bill Bellis and Ken Laughlin as the latest Community Champions of Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District.

Both men were courteous and professional during multiple visits to their properties by Rep. Kelly, the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump, and law enforcement officials during the Task Force’s investigation of the attempted assassination of President Trump on the Butler Farm Show grounds in 2024. The July 13, 2024 rally was held on the Butler Farm Show grounds. The would-be assassin, Thomas Crooks, fired his weapon from atop the AGR building.

“Bill and Ken have long been great members of the Butler community. But their dedication and professionalism while assisting the Task Force during our high-profile investigation last year once again showed their commitment to their neighbors in Butler County and their fellow Americans,” said Rep. Kelly.

Bellis is the Chief Financial Officer of American Glass Research (AGR) International. Laughlin is President of the Butler Farm Show Senior Board of Directors.

BACKGROUND

The Community Champion Award is a citation instituted by the Office of U.S. Representative Mike Kelly in January 2015 to recognize and thank service-minded individuals throughout Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District for selfless and significant contributions to their surrounding communities. Each winner is presented with an official award plaque from Rep. Kelly’s office, a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol building, and a statement of congratulations entered into the official Congressional Record.

In February, Rep. Kelly honored Erie businessman Chris Sirianni for his contributions to the Lake Erie Ale Trail and promoting the craft beer industry in Northwest Pennsylvania. In April, Rep. Kelly presented outgoing Crawford County Treasurer Christine Krzysiak a Community Champion for her years of public service.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) led a group of bipartisan House colleagues in sending a letter to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary urging immediate action against the rising threat of illegal, counterfeit anti-obesity medications entering the U.S. 

These counterfeit products, which include unapproved versions of the active ingredients in Ozempic and Wegovy, which are often smuggled from unregistered foreign suppliers, primarily in China, and pose serious risks to American consumers.

“The United States has set the gold standard for safe, effective medicine,” said Rep. Hudson. “I want to make sure North Carolinians, and all Americans, are able to have access to safe treatments without the fear of unsafe, illicit and unapproved ingredients. I look forward to working with Commissioner Makary and Secretary Kennedy to improve our oversight of these illicit drugs and protecting the health and safety of all Americans.”

The letter asks the FDA to use its existing statutory authority to ramp up enforcement over illegally imported prescription drugs. Specifically, the agency should immediately work with Customs and Border Patrol to issue an import alert and step up enforcement at the border to prevent Chinese entities from undermining America’s supply of safe medicines by shipping unsafe and illicit weight loss drugs into the United States.

Members expressed their readiness to work with Commissioner Makary and the Administration to ensure the FDA has the tools, clarity, and support they need to address the problem. 

Read the full letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

COLUMBUS, OH – Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) hosted a roundtable at her Columbus district office with the Central Ohio Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and representatives from many of its affiliate unions to discuss how the Trump Administration’s escalating attacks on unions and the enactment of Republicans’ Big Ugly Law will harm Ohioans. The discussion centered on the real-world impacts on Ohio’s economy and hardworking Ohio families, and Congresswoman Beatty reiterated her continued commitment to standing with organized labor in Central Ohio.

 

Throughout the conversation, members of the roundtable shared insights about the Trump Administration’s efforts to end the clean energy and infrastructure investments that have lowered energy prices and driven job growth across our communities, as well as the attacks on health care, education, Social Security, and other critical government programs and services that Americans rely on. 

 

“As many of you know, I am a proud daughter of a union worker, so I know firsthand the life-changing impact of organized labor,” said Congresswoman Beatty at the event,“Donald Trump has attacked organized labor because he’s afraid of our collective power—of what happens when we raise our voices together to demand fairness, equity, opportunity, and a better tomorrow.”

 

Among the Trump Administration’s most damaging actions has been its direct attacks on the federal workforce, including its efforts to unlawfully fire tens of thousands of federal workers across the country without any due process. As AFL-CIO and others have been fighting back in court, Congresswoman Beatty has been fighting back in Congress by joining her Democratic colleagues in sending several letters urging the administration to reverse its terminations of federal employees at agencies like the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and more. She has also opposed President Trump’s executive order targeting union rights and is a proud cosponsor of the Protect America’s Workforce Act – legislation that would prohibit the implementation of that dangerous order.

 

“As you know, the President has tried to end collective bargaining rights for nearly three-quarters of the federal workforce, Beatty continued. “He has illegally fired federal employees, halted the important work of critical agencies like the National Labor Relations Board, and dismantled programs and services across the federal government. Congressional Democrats are dedicated to continuing to do everything we can to fight back. We’ve sent letters, introduced legislation, and stood side by side with federal union workers in protest.”

 

Congresswoman Beatty reaffirmed her commitment to advancing pro-labor policies in Congress, protecting the rights of union workers, fighting back against the devastating policies in Republicans’ Big Ugly Law, and holding the Trump Administration accountable. “We will not let decades of progress for America’s workers and the American people be erased,”she said. “Together, we will continue to fight for access to affordable health care, educational opportunity, good-paying jobs, and the benefits every worker has earned and deserves.”

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