MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s dismissal of Dr. Carla Hayden from her position as Librarian of Congress:

“Throughout her historic tenure as the Librarian of Congress, my friend Dr. Carla Hayden has demonstrated time and time again that she is a patriot and one of the most qualified professionals to hold the post in history. Over the past nine years, she has modernized the Library of Congress, expanded Americans’ access to the library resources, improved the institution’s efficiency, and preserved America’s history. She has done so in cooperation with both Democrats and Republicans. Donald Trump dismissed her last night with an abrupt, two-sentence email from one of his lackeys.

“Once again, Trump makes it clear that he doesn’t care if the government works for the American people. He only cares if it works for him and him alone. Dr. Hayden’s removal ought to concern every American who believes in government efficiency, transparency, and integrity. 

“I thank Dr. Hayden for her service. She has the respect and admiration of so many on both sides of the aisle. Donald Trump can never take that away.

“It is deeply disappointing that someone so extraordinarily qualified by ability and experience would have her service to the Congress and the country so shamefully cut short.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Higgins (R-LA) introduced a Legislative Proposal of four bills that abolish four existing Federal Agencies with a transition to State Authority. This legislation reduces federal spending, eliminates unnecessary federal agencies, and builds state service capacity through block grants.

“America has been driving itself towards bankruptcy, and some of us have grabbed the wheel. Correction is a requirement, or financial collapse is inevitable. We are the legislative branch of government, and we have an obligation to present actual, legitimate, and Constitutionally sound solutions,” said Congressman Higgins. “For many months, I’ve been working on a legislative package of bills that offer a model for a solution. These four bills, each arguably controversial in its own writ, are designed to spur vigorous debate and ultimately, action by Congress to address the doomsday financial collapse that is fueled by FedGov waste, fraud, abuse, and massive, ineffective scope.”

The four-bill package eliminates federal agencies where an equivalent agency or department exists at the state level, while simultaneously enhancing the associated services to the citizenry by empowering and funding the state through a block-grant program established by Congress. The combined savings of the legislative package are estimated to be over $54 billion annually.

The bills include the Sovereign States Emergency Management Act, the Sovereign State Environmental Quality Assurance Act, the Sovereign States Bureau of Prisons Restructuring Act, and the Sovereign States Education Restoration Act.

The package introduces a formula to:

 

• Abolish unnecessary federal agencies—The Department of Education, Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Prisons, and Federal Emergency Management Agency are prime for abolishment. They are top-heavy, bloated agencies, and any service they allegedly perform could be better handled by the states. A transition to local control at the state level would no doubt improve upon the former federal agencies, that threshold being very, very low, and every American employee of these agencies would have a full opportunity to fill positions opened within the expanded state agency. Best practice policy would emerge, efficiencies would be shared from state to state, and the citizenry would ultimately, and quickly, benefit from this bold action to restore state authority, as the Founders intended.

• Build State Capacity—Every state has a government entity equivalent to each federal agency to be dismantled. Funding would be provided to the states at a level equal to half of the FY19 budget of the federal agency that is being abolished, returning federal spending to far below pre-COVID levels while at the same time demolishing bloated bureaucracy and enhancing actual services to We the People.

• Reduce federal involvement to grant administration and oversight of state spending—A portion of funding (10% of FY19 levels) would be used to ensure proper grant administration through the US Treasury, and another portion (10% of FY19 levels) would be reserved for appropriate federal oversight, audit and reporting to Congress.

Read a summary brief here.

Read the Sovereign States Emergency Management Act here.

Read the Sovereign State Environmental Quality Assurance Act here.

Read the Sovereign States Bureau of Prisons Restructuring Act here.

Read the Sovereign States Education Restoration Act here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D–Mich.) led the bipartisan introduction of the Post-Quantum Cybersecurity Standards Act with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R–N.Y.).

Quantum computing will revolutionize the landscape of cybersecurity, ensuring everyone from federal agencies to local school districts can deploy updated cybersecurity standards. This bill will help Michigan businesses more effectively and rapidly adopt post-quantum cybersecurity standards to protect them from cyber attacks. By creating a more efficient system for the government to help businesses and other organizations implement new cybersecurity technology, the Post-Quantum Cybersecurity Standards Act will help protect them from malicious cyberattacks. 

“The future of cybersecurity and secure quantum computing is vital to protecting Michigan businesses, and we need to make sure we are innovating quantum computing here in the U.S.” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “This bipartisan effort will help ensure we are developing the best research on quantum technologies, so our businesses and innovators here at home can apply this technology and help Michigan businesses continue to grow.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

May 13, 2025 | Press Releases

SARASOTA — In case you missed it, U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) on Friday congratulated nine students from Florida’s 17th Congressional District who have received appointments to U.S. Service Academies following his nomination process in December.
“These exceptional young men and women have chosen a path of duty, discipline, and devotion to the United States of America,” said Rep. Steube. “It’s an honor to nominate students from Florida’s 17th District who are answering the call to serve. At a time when our nation needs strong, principled leaders, these appointees represent the very best of our communities. I thank them for their commitment to defending our freedoms and upholding the values that make our country great.”
Rep. Steube joined several of the appointees and their families at a congratulatory luncheon hosted by his office last week.
Sydney Brann of Sarasota High School has been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.Quinn Briggs of Lemon Bay High School has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.Keller Button of Sarasota Military Academy has been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.Patrick Hooper of Lemon Bay High School has been appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.Zoe Kirby of Cardinal Mooney High School has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.Ava Micholopoulos of Pine View School has been appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.Sydney Pablo of Venice High School has been appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.Jaden White of Dunbar High School has been appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.Christine Wu of Pine View School has been appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
The appointees will attend three of our nation’s five prestigious U.S. Service Academies: the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, MD; and the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, CO. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Coast Guard Academy are also among the five federal service academies, though no FL-17 students received appointments to those institutions this year. The Coast Guard Academy is the only service academy that does not require a congressional nomination. You can learn more about the service academy nomination process here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. —  Late Monday, House Democrats’ Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force led 148 Members of Congress in filing an amicus brief challenging President Donald Trump’s sweeping and chaotic tariffs unlawfully imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The lawmakers’ brief stands up for Congress’s Article I exclusive legislative power to impose tariffs and regulate commerce, and argues that IEEPA does not give the President the power to impose reckless, on-again-off-again tariffs, which have wreaked havoc on the U.S. economy.

The amicus brief was led by Task Force Co-Chairs Joe Neguse and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin; House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries; and Ranking Members Gregory Meeks of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Richard E. Neal of the Committee on Ways and Means. It was filed in the matter of Oregon, et al., v. Trump, et al. which was brought forth by 12 States’ Attorneys General. 

“Donald Trump promised to lower the cost of living on day one, but instead is raising prices, crashing our economy and driving us toward a recession. He has now imposed and backed away from his reckless tariffs and tax increases on multiple occasions, each time without authorization from Congress. This is unlawful, and it is unleashing harm on hardworking American taxpayers. I am thankful to Rep. Raskin, Rep. Meeks, Rep. Neal, Assistant Leader Neguse and the Litigation Working Group and Rapid Response Task Force for their efforts in leading House Democrats in our strong opposition to this illegal assault on everyday Americans,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. 

“What the Trump White House called ‘Liberation Day,’ most households across America remember as the day economic chaos was unleashed by this administration’s reckless tariff policies,” said Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse. “Today, House Democrats are taking action, pushing back against the continued harm being inflicted on everyday Americans and reinforcing the constitutional authority of Congress.”

“The Constitution gives Congress—not the President—the power to regulate commerce with other nations and to impose tariffs. Donald Trump is abusing emergency powers under IEEPA, which doesn’t mention tariffs, to impose sweeping and chaotic tariffs without any authorization from Congress. Trump’s wayward, on-again, off-again approach to tariffs imposed under IEEPA is terrible for the U.S. economy and damaging to American businesses and consumers. We’re going to court to defend Congress’ powers under Article I against executive usurpation and abuse,” said Ranking Member Jamie Raskin.

“President Trump has abused IEEPA to impose sweeping tariffs that have hurt American families and businesses. IEEPA has never been used this way — and the so-called national emergencies behind these tariffs are baseless. It’s time for the courts to recognize this as flagrant abuse of executive power and end Trump’s chaotic trade war,” said Ranking Member Gregory Meeks. 

“The Constitution is clear: Congress—not the president—holds the power to regulate trade,” said Ranking Member Richard E. Neal. “Congress never intended for IEEPA to be a blank check for chaos or a tool for economic retaliation against our allies. House Democrats are making clear: no president can hijack trade policy for political theatrics at the expense of American workers and families.”

The Constitution gives Congress, not the President, the authority to impose tariffs, and the President can only raise tariffs if Congress has clearly delegated its authority to him. Although IEEPA (enacted in 1977) grants the president authority to impose sanctions, block foreign assets, and regulate economic transactions in response to “unusual and extraordinary threats” originating abroad, it is not a tariff statute and has never been used that way. Congress knows how to delegate tariff authority and has clearly done so on a number of occasions. When Congress does delegate such authority, it imposes substantive, procedural, and temporal limits on the president’s power in order to avoid economic chaos and protect the American people. 

The full brief is available HERE. 

For more information on House Democrats efforts to protect Americans against the unlawful actions of the Trump Administration, visit litigationandresponse.house.gov. 

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

Maine First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is sounding the alarm over illegal plans by Elon Musk’s rogue “agency” to gut grant funding for the National Park Service. Many of the grants, including two in Maine, targeted by DOGE for elimination aimed to support Tribes and protect public lands from the impacts of climate change. Pingree, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the National Park Service, released the following statement: 

“DOGE has no constitutional power, no codified mission, and absolutely no authority to rescind funding already approved by Congress. That this rogue and unaccountable ‘agency’ can target $26 million in grant funding from the National Park Service for elimination—money that would’ve been used to support Tribes and Indigenous history and help protect public lands from the effects of climate change—is as enraging as it is outrageous. 

“Two of the grants on the Administration’s chopping block are for Maine-based projects that aimed to amplify Indigenous voices—and highlight the critical role these communities have played in drawing attention to the impacts of climate change in our state. 

“Both of these initiatives, along with nearly 100 other programs across the country, are now in jeopardy. All because this Administration and Elon Musk believe they have the unchecked authority to cut or claw back any program that doesn’t adhere to their extreme MAGA agenda. 

“My Democratic colleagues and I will do everything in our power to fight back against these illegal and indiscriminate cuts and ensure that this Congressionally-appropriated funding is delivered to the communities it was meant to serve.

“Next week, when Secretary Burgum testifies before the Appropriations Committee, I expect him to explain why this Administration believes it has the right to ignore Congressional intent and undermine decades of bipartisan conservation efforts.”

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

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Ranking Member on the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee, is voicing skepticism and concern over Republicans’ budget reconciliation proposal for the Kennedy Center–which is nearly six times more than the annual funding appropriated through the Subcommittee. 

“It’s hard to ignore the red flags here. While the Trump Administration is gunning to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities entirely, cancelling arts grants already allocated, and censoring exhibits at the Smithsonian, Republicans are quietly pushing through an exorbitant $256 million allocation for the Kennedy Center—six times what Congress typically appropriates,” said Pingree. “While I appreciate President Trump’s interest in the Center’s future and the dire need for funding, we must ensure that funds appropriated by Congress are truly benefitting the artists and audiences that make the Kennedy Center great. We need transparency on how this money would be spent and assurance it’s not being used to reward loyalty or bankroll pet projects under the guise of cultural investment.”

On Tuesday, Pingree sent a letter to Richard Grenell, a Trump ally who was installed as President of the Kennedy Center in February, demanding answers and transparency. The full letter is available here and copied below. 

Pingree, who is co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Arts Caucus, has been vocal about her strong opposition to President Trump’s attacks on the arts. In a statement on Saturday, she said the Administration’s decision to abruptly cancel NEA grants is an outrageous attack on our nation’s cultural heritage and a reckless decision that will hurt local economies across the country.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring American Samoa’s police, and law enforcement officers everywhere, in recognition of National Police Week (May 11-17), and National Peace Officers Memorial Day (observed May 15^th every year).

This year, Congresswoman Amata is cosponsoring two Resolutions expressing support for professional law enforcement officers and honoring their vital role in the safety of communities, that are being introduced during Police Week. In 2019, she cosponsored the House bill authorizing the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Commemorative Coin (final passage in Consolidated Appropriations, Public Law 116-94, signed by President Trump). In April of this year, Congress passed the yearly Resolution for special use of the U.S. Capitol grounds for this year’s 44th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

“My heartfelt thank you to all of our law enforcement officers as we observe this National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day. In a time of crisis, we look to you. That fact means you deserves our strong support, including the best in training and preparation activities, and high quality equipment and facilities. When there is a need, our officers rush toward it, including the possibility of danger. As a free and law-abiding society, we depend on honorable, dedicated officers that protect and serve. May God bless our police, law enforcement and peace officers daily, and especially keep them safe in times of crisis.” 

“We also specially think of Peace Officers Memorial Day, which commemorates those who gave their lives in the line of duty. We respect, honor, and remember their sacrifice, and pray for their families and memories.” 

HISTORY: In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and Congress that year established National Police Week. The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum holds an annual Candlelight Vigil, which is May 13^th this year, for fallen officers. The Memorial, dedicated in 1991, currently has the names of more than 24,000 officers carved into the walls, with names added yearly, as part of National Police Week. In April, 10,000 daffodils bloom at the Memorial site. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement in celebration of Mother’s Day:

“Have a happy Mother’s Day! Motherhood is a great joy and one of life’s most wonderful blessings. Mothers are entrusted with the care, guidance, and inspiration of children. ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ (Proverbs 22:6) In that influential way, mothers provide the lessons and direction that last entire lifetimes, and are still doing good years in the future. 

“Mother’s Day is always the right time to let your mom know how much you love, admire, and appreciate her. For many of us, Mother’s Day will also bring back special memories of our mom. Throughout life, most of us will never know more complete support than a mother’s love.

“Moms, thank each one of you for all you have done for your children! ‘Her children rise up and call her blessed,’ (Proverbs 31:28). May your children bring ongoing joy. God bless you this Mother’s Day.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement on the announcement of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV:

“As one of the more than a billion Catholic worshippers worldwide, I am delighted to welcome the announcement of Pope Leo XIV. Watching the ceremonies is a special and joyous occasion. Leading the Church forward is a great international undertaking and responsibility, and possibly the most influential role in the world. He is the second Pope in a row with strong ties to South America, and the first U.S.-born Pope in history. I appreciate his opening words of unity and peace that he delivered to the world from the Vatican, as we look forward to his Papacy with hope and joy.”

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