MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert introduced a resolution condemning California and other states for enacting policies that restrict domestic oil production, increase gasoline prices, and undermine American energy security and national defense. The resolution calls out the California policies that restrict energy supplies and increase costs, which impact consumers – including the U.S. military. Last month, Rep. Calvert wrote an op-ed in the Orange County Register about the consequences of the restrictive energy policies enacted in Sacramento. 

“California’s radical anti-energy policies are having a devastating effect on our economy as well as our national security,” said Rep. Calvert. “The high taxes and burdensome red tape put in place by liberals in Sacramento have resulted in declining energy production as well as refining capacity. While California families are routinely hit with the highest gasoline prices in the country, the one thing worse than expensive energy is no energy. Recent global events have once again exposed the dangers of a heavy dependence on foreign sources of energy. The readiness of the military bases located throughout California is dependent on reliable energy sources. California must revisit these ill-advised policies for the sake of our economic and national security.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor in support of S. 1318, the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act, which reauthorizes Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Below are a video and transcription of his remarks:
 

Click here to watch a video of his remarks.

“I thank the gentleman for yielding, and thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I was Majority Leader in 2008, Mr. Blunt, who was then in the leadership of the Republican Party, Senator Kit Bond, and Senator Jay Rockefeller, who co-chaired the Intel Committee in the United States Senate, and I worked together in a very difficult context. And that context was, the Bush Administration had asked for information from the telecoms, telecoms had given the information, and there were really no firewalls as to what that information was. And so, the four of us worked with the Intelligence Committee of the House to come up with legislation which would solve the problem of making sure that we were secure as a country and that the privacy of our citizens were secure. We think we accomplished that objective – and in fact, the leadership in the Senate voted for it, President Obama, then a Member of the Senate, voted for it, and Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Clyburn, and I voted for it, along with others. The Republicans were overwhelmingly for it. In September 2012, we did it again. Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Hoyer, [and] Mr. Clyburn voted for it. We did it again in January of 2018, and Pelosi, Hoyer, Clyburn, Wright, Ryan, McCarthy, and Scalise all voted for it.

“The point I want to make is this has been a bipartisan process with bipartisan presidential buy into the necessity to have this legislation adopted to keep Americans safe, while also adopting significant reforms in 2008, some reforms thereafter to provide for the privacy protections to the American people. It is a balance, but it is a balance that I think we have achieved. I think we ought to pass this legislation. I urge my colleagues to do so. Our FISA reauthorization bills are how Congress ensures that our nation is protected in the first instance against threats from terrorist groups and foreign adversaries. Our intelligence services have the difficult task of catching threats before they materialize and providing critical information to national security leaders. As many here will remember, the attacks of September 11th, 2001, occurred after our national security agencies failed to identify, track, and coordinate known threats. 25 years later, we have learned these lessons, and we continue to grapple with essential questions about how to balance the needs of our national security with protecting Americans’ liberties.

“That is an ongoing process, of course, and I know Democrats on the Committee, led by Ranking Member Himes, were diligent in pushing for reforms to Section 702 that would make those protections stronger for Americans while still delivering the tools needed. This bill does not include all of the reforms, of course, none of the bills that we consider have all the things we’d like to have in them. But, in testimony from Avril Haines, who headed up the DNI under the Obama Administration – excuse me, under the Biden Administration, she believes this is absolutely essential. Other members of the Obama Administration and the Biden Administration believe [that] this legislation is essential. I believe this legislation is essential, and I urge my colleagues – having worked on this since 2008 – to adopt this legislation and make America as safe as we possibly can. I yield back.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), introduced the Gas Prices Relief Act, legislation to help lower gas prices through the end of the year as they continue to climb due to President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. The Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026 would suspend the federal gas tax to cut nearly 20 cents per gallon for the rest of the year, ensuring temporary relief lasts long enough for gas prices to come back down permanently. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman Josh Harder (CA-09). 

“At a time when President Trump’s Middle East war is skyrocketing gas prices and making life even more unaffordable, Congress needs to do all it can to bring down costs for American families,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “Washingtonians need immediate relief, and cannot wait until the war ends to see gas prices fall. I am proud to introduce this much-needed bill to bring immediate relief, and I will continue to be laser-focused on lowering the cost of living.”

“Valley commuters are facing a runaway rollercoaster of prices at the pump that have been out of control for weeks, and our families need some immediate relief,” said Congressman Harder. “$100 just to fill up your tank is unacceptable – we need the war in Iran to end, but we can’t wait months for prices to come down. That’s why I’m pushing to suspend the federal gas tax and lower gas prices right now.”

Two months after the start of the war, gas prices continue to rise:

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“Whether you’re a politician, a prince, or a president—we will not let go and a reckoning is on the way.”

45 Minutes Later, Republicans Announce Date for Bondi’s Appearance

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) joined Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Oversight Democrats in filing a resolution to hold former Attorney General Pam Bondi in civil contempt of Congress after she failed to appear for her legally-binding, bipartisan subpoena to be deposed on the Epstein investigation and the White House’s cover-up of the Epstein files. The resolution would instruct the House of Representatives to go to court to compel Bondi’s testimony.

This morning, Rep. Pressley joined Ranking Member Garcia and colleagues for a media availability on the resolution. Less than an hour later, Oversight Republicans announced a date for Bondi’s appearance.

“Today we filed contempt charges against Pam Bondi to hold her accountable for defying her legal obligation to testify on her handling of the Epstein files—an important step toward accountability for survivors. Less than an hour later, Republicans announced a date for her appearance,” said Congresswoman Pressley in a statement. “Republicans cannot run from their cover-up of powerful, wealthy, and well-connected predators like Donald Trump. Whether you’re a politician, a prince, or a president—we will not let go and a reckoning is on the way.”

In March 2026, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform secured a bipartisan subpoena for then-Attorney General Pam Bondi following a motion supported by all Committee Democrats joined by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Lauren Boebert, Rep. Michael Cloud, Rep. Scott Perry, and Rep. Tim Burchett. The bipartisan subpoena passed the House Oversight Committee 24 to 19. On April 14, 2026, Pam Bondi refused to appear for her deposition before the Oversight Committee, despite the lawful bipartisan subpoena the Committee issued. The subpoena remains legally binding, even after Bondi was fired. The subpoena followed the Department of Justice’s botched release of the Epstein files and the continued White House cover-up.

Footage of Congresswoman Pressley’s remarks during the media availability is available here and a transcript is available below.

Transcript: Pressley Joins Oversight Dems Filing Contempt Charges Against Bondi, Demands Accountability for Epstein Survivors
U.S. House of Representatives
April 29, 2026

Just to level set why we’re all here: it is about the survivors. And this is quite literally a matter of life and death.

From our earliest meetings with the survivors, they made impassioned appeals to us that this not be one more demonstration of what has been an institutional betrayal for decades, where many have been complicit in protecting the powerful, the wealthy, and well-connected who participated in this pedophile Ponzi scheme.

We stand before the Oversight Committee room, a room now that bears the painting of Elijah Cummings, who reminded me as a freshman when I started on this committee that the work of the Committee on Oversight is to be in efficient and effective pursuit of the truth.

And under this Republican majority, everything that they have done has flown in the face of the integrity of this committee and what our job is.

[Republicans have] canceled hearings. [Bondi] has defied and not complied with a legally binding subpoena.

Our resolution is essential in getting us one step closer to accountability for the victims who have been sentenced with a lifetime sentence of navigating trauma and depression and suicide ideation, whose bodies were violated, whose dignity was violated, whose dreams were violated.

We have a responsibility to them that these vermin be held accountable for their vile acts.

And whether you are a politician, a prince, or a president, we will not let go and a reckoning is on the way.

—

In recent interviews, Rep. Pressley described why her work to subpoena the Epstein files is deeply personal to her.

Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has been a champion for justice for survivors of sexual violence and reproductive freedom.

In July 2024, Rep. Pressley reintroduced the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act of 2024. In June 2024, Rep. Pressley renewed her calls for accountability and survivor-focused solutions following the damning reports of a toxic work environment at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  In June 2024, Rep. Pressley also sent a letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) requesting information about the botched closure of FCI Dublin, abuse of women while they were being transferred to other facilities, and BOP’s management of investigations into the staff sexual misconduct and abuse at FCI Dublin and other federal BOP facilities.

Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of H.R. 5388, legislation that would prevent the Secretary of Education from rolling back Title IX protections for survivors, as well as H.Res. 560, a resolution calling for an impeachment inquiry into Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, following reporting on new allegations of sexual misconduct committed by the Associate Justice.

In April 2019, following the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, Rep. Pressley issued a statement honoring her mother, Sandra Pressley, a survivor of domestic violence. Rep. Pressley is also the lead co-sponsor of an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that would establish the first-ever grant program dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, which passed the House of Representatives in March 2021.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), alongside U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Brittney Pettersen (D-CO), introduced legislation to allow Congress to override a Presidential denial of federal disaster relief funding and create a new fast-track process to ensure states are not left without support.

President Trump is denying disaster aid to Democratic-led states at an unprecedented rate—the highest in the 47-year history of the Federal Emergency Management Agency—approving just 23% of their requests compared to 89% for Republican-led states. He has also taken roughly twice as long to act on requests from Democratic states, making it significantly harder for them to receive critical relief.

“President Trump has repeatedly denied disaster aid requests, including ones affecting families in Illinois, leaving communities struggling to rebuild after severe storms and flooding,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL). “Disaster relief should never depend on politics or arbitrary decisions. Our legislation empowers Congress to step in and help deliver the support states need when federal assistance is blocked. Families rebuilding after disasters deserve certainty that their government will stand with them when it matters most.” 

“Disasters don’t care about state lines or politics, and neither should our President’s response,” said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO). “Following the Lee and Elk Fires and the flooding in Southwest Colorado last year, every single member of the Colorado delegation was united: our communities needed federal assistance. The President outright rejected our calls for federal support. As natural disasters increase, Congress must be able to push past political retribution and help our cities and counties meet the challenge posed by these events.” 

“The president is putting politics over Americans in crisis. We have to fight for a way forward,” said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO). “Disaster relief should never be tied to politics. Your zip code and your vote should not decide whether you can rebuild.” 

“When natural disasters strike — from wildfires to flash floods — the federal government must rise to the occasion and assist our communities,” said U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO). “Natural disasters don’t discriminate based on state or political affiliation — and neither should the federal government.”

“As wildfires become a year-round threat, Colorado communities cannot afford a federal government that turns its back on them when disaster strikes,” said U.S. Representative Brittney Pettersen (D-CO). “Every community — red or blue — should have the tools needed to recover and rebuild more resilient to future threats.” 

Illinois leaders appealed multiple federal disaster aid denials following severe weather events that affected counties across the state, including parts of the Chicago region. Similar concerns have emerged nationwide. In Arkansas, Republican state leaders urged reconsideration after a denied request tied to deadly storms, while Colorado officials sought reversal following wildfire and flooding disasters. Federal officials also denied aid connected to severe flooding in Wisconsin. Together, these decisions have raised bipartisan concerns about consistency and fairness in federal disaster response.

“I saw firsthand the destruction these floods caused and how much more difficult recovery became without support,” said the Executive Director of the Illinois Flood Relief Task Force. “Helping communities—especially those on the South and West sides of Chicago—recover from disasters should never be a political decision. It’s about making sure people have the support they need to rebuild and piece their lives back together.”

Under current law, governors may request federal disaster assistance after major emergencies, but Congress has limited recourse when those requests are denied. Krishnamoorthi’s legislation would require the administration to provide prompt written notification to Congress following certain denials and would establish expedited procedures allowing lawmakers to authorize disaster aid through a fast-track joint resolution process. The legislation is designed to help ensure communities can access timely federal recovery resources while strengthening accountability and consistency in disaster response decisions.

Summary of the Legislation

• Creates a fast-track congressional process to authorize federal disaster assistance when requests are denied by the executive branch.

• Requires the administration to notify Congress and provide a written explanation within 24 hours after certain disaster aid denials.

• Establishes expedited House and Senate procedures to allow swift consideration of aid following major emergencies.

• Helps ensure states and communities can access federal recovery support after storms, flooding, wildfires, and other disasters.

The text of the bill is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Oversight Committee, sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding answers following new reports that the Trump Administration has expanded efforts to obtain sensitive voter information and engage directly with state and local election officials. The letter cites new reports indicating that DHS personnel requested voter registration records, voting histories, and other election-related data in multiple states, in some cases including unredacted materials containing signatures and partial Social Security numbers.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi wrote:

“A recent investigation found that DHS personnel requested voter registration records, voting histories, and other election-related data in at least eight states, including, in some cases, unredacted materials containing signatures and partial Social Security numbers. The reporting indicates that these requests were made without a clearly articulated investigative basis and in areas that do not traditionally fall within DHS’s core mission.” 

He continued:

“These reported actions raise serious legal and constitutional concerns. Election administration is primarily the responsibility of state and local governments, and any federal involvement, particularly where it touches sensitive voter data, must be clearly authorized, narrowly scoped, and handled with care. They also risk eroding public confidence in the integrity and impartial administration of our elections.” 

Krishnamoorthi emphasized that these developments come amid broader efforts to expand federal involvement in election administration and growing concern among election officials about political pressure ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

Krishnamoorthi requested that DHS provide the following information no later than May 8, 2026:

1. Identify all statutory, regulatory, or other legal authorities DHS relies upon to request or obtain voter registration records, voting histories, or other election-related data from state or local officials. 

2. Provide a list of all jurisdictions in which DHS personnel have requested or obtained election-related records since January 20, 2025, including the type of information requested and whether such requests were fulfilled. 

3. For each request, describe the factual basis or predicate for the inquiry, including whether the request was tied to a specific allegation, referral, or ongoing investigation. 

4. Describe any coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice or other federal entities regarding election-related investigations, including whether such entities reviewed, approved, or directed any such requests. 

5. Detail the policies and procedures governing the handling, storage, retention, and protection of sensitive voter information obtained by DHS, including any limitations on dissemination, third-party access, breach notification protocols, and timelines for deletion or destruction of such data. 

6. Provide all internal guidance, memoranda, or directives governing DHS involvement in election-related matters, including any changes to DHS’s role in election security, investigations, or data collection since January 20, 2025. 

7. Explain how any voter data obtained by DHS has been used, including whether it has been shared with other federal agencies, used to initiate enforcement actions, or incorporated into broader federal databases. 

8. Describe the training provided to DHS personnel engaging with election officials and the oversight mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with applicable laws, privacy protections, and constitutional limits.

The letter is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Oversight Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott warning that the agency’s tariff refund system could shut out small businesses while favoring large corporations.

Krishnamoorthi raised concerns that while individual Americans who ultimately bore the cost of these tariffs are excluded from receiving refunds, the process must not further disadvantage small businesses already hit hardest.

In the letter, Krishnamoorthi wrote:

“The structure of this refund process, as currently designed, risks delivering the greatest benefits to the largest and most well-resourced corporations while leaving small businesses at a significant disadvantage. I urge CBP to take immediate steps to ensure that small businesses receive the refunds they deserve.”

He emphasized the scale of harm caused by the tariffs and the urgency of equitable relief:

“After months of irreversible economic damage to small businesses, the Supreme Court ruled that not only are these tariffs unconstitutional, but that American importers are owed more than $166 billion taken from them by the Trump Administration’s illegal policy.”

Small businesses—particularly in Illinois—have borne the brunt of these costs, facing steep revenue losses and rising financial strain while larger corporations were better positioned to absorb or pass on price increases.

Krishnamoorthi also warned that technical failures and structural barriers could prevent small businesses from accessing relief:

“These structural advantages, compounded by early reports of website crashes, confusing interfaces, and delays within the CAPE portal itself, threaten to shut small businesses out of a process they are legally entitled to participate in.”

Finally, Krishnamoorthi called on CBP to reserve a meaningful share of refunds for small businesses and to publicly report distribution data by business size. He requested a response by July 13, 2026.

The letter is available here.

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act, which renews a critical counter-terror tool, also known as FISA Section 702, that our intelligence community uses to stop foreign terrorists and adversaries before they even strike. This tool is what led to the successful Midnight Hammer operation, the Nicolas Maduro capture, and the prevention of a mass casualty event at a Taylor Swift concert. After voting in favor of the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“During this time when we are constantly facing threats from our adversaries, the American military has ongoing operations in Iran, and chants of “death to America” are increasing from terrorist groups around the world, it is imperative that Congress take national security seriously. Today, in renewing FISA Section 702, we did just that. This legislation ensures that our intelligence agencies can stop foreign terrorist plots before they even reach American soil, while at the same time protects the American people by ensuring that Section 702 cannot be used to target Americans’ electronic communications for collection,” said Congressman Cole.

“Today, the United States House of Representatives made it very clear: our intelligence agencies are prepared and will not allow terrorists or our adversaries to win,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO) released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, gutting a key provision of the Voting Rights Act: 

“The Supreme Court just gave Republicans the green light to pursue more partisan gerrymandering. Their disastrous decision will further corrode our politics, eliminate fair maps, and embolden corporate special interests.

“By eroding civil rights laws like the Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court is attacking the right of every citizen to vote and make their voice heard.

“This extreme Supreme Court has failed the American people. Congress must act to ban gerrymandering nationwide, end dark money influencing our elections, and reform our government so it works for working people.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced that he has joined as a cosponsor of H.Res. 1164, a resolution aimed at increasing transparency and accountability when Members of Congress use taxpayer funds to settle legal claims.

H.Res. 1164 would require any Member who uses federal funds for a settlement to appear publicly before the House within 30 days to disclose the details of the payment, including the nature of the claim and whether reimbursement to the U.S. Treasury has been made. Members who fail to comply would face suspension or removal from committee assignments and leadership positions.

“Taxpayer dollars should never be used in secret to settle cases involving misconduct,” said Congressman Aderholt. “The American people deserve transparency and accountability from those elected to serve them. This resolution ensures that Members of Congress are held to a clear standard and cannot quietly resolve serious allegations without public disclosure.”

The resolution was introduced by Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Congressman Josh Brecheen (R-OK) as a commonsense alternative to prior proposals that raised concerns about due process. By focusing on instances where a settlement has been reached, H.Res. 1164 establishes a clear and fair threshold for disclosure while protecting the rights of all parties involved.

“By requiring Members to publicly disclose settlements paid with taxpayer funds, this resolution brings much-needed sunlight to the process,” Aderholt added. “Greater transparency will help restore trust in Congress and ensure that misconduct is not hidden from the people we represent.”

Supporters of the resolution emphasize that it strengthens good governance by ensuring accountability while safeguarding the privacy of victims.