MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Mark Amodei (NV-02), and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) in introducing the Certainty for Our Energy Future Act. This legislation would provide some much-needed clarity surrounding renewable energy projects and ensure our nation’s resources do not enrich adversarial nations.

“The Central Valley is leading the way in renewable energy production, and our communities deserve policies that provide stability and certainty for the future,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Certainty for Our Energy Future Act preserves the clean energy tax credits farmers and energy producers rely on, while phasing out long-term subsidies for technologies that can now stand on their own. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to expand domestic energy production and keep the door open for new technologies to grow and compete.”

“The Certainty for Our Energy Future Act is a critical step toward aligning our clean energy priorities with today’s economic and national security realities,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “By responsibly phasing out subsidies for technologies like wind and solar, and ensuring foreign adversaries like China and Russia can’t exploit American tax benefits, we are safeguarding both our energy independence and our taxpayers. Energy security is national security, and the bottom line is that in order to increase American energy dominance, we need to protect as much production and innovation as possible. I am proud to introduce this legislation and help secure America’s energy future!”

“Certainty for the energy industry is essential to securing American energy dominance, driving innovation, and lowering costs for consumers,” said Congressman Garbarino. “The Certainty for Our Energy Future Act provides the predictability businesses need to invest with confidence while protecting taxpayers from foreign threats. I look forward to working with my colleagues to responsibly deliver on the President’s energy agenda and meet our nation’s growing energy demand with a stronger, more secure energy future.”

“America’s path to energy independence must involve an all-of-the-above clean energy approach that puts American manufacturers at the center,” said Rep. Amodei. “By excluding foreign adversaries from tax benefits and prioritizing American innovation, we are one step closer to a more secure and self-reliant energy future.”

“The United States has the opportunity to lead the world in clean energy production while lowering costs for consumers,” said Congressman Newhouse. “By phasing out tax incentives supporting wind and solar projects, Congress can provide long-term certainty to utilities and investors. This legislation provides critical protections to ensure federal investments are not being utilized by foreign adversaries, including Communist China. I thank Rep. Kiggans for her leadership as we work to ensure American clean energy is safe, reliable, and affordable as new forms of energy emerge.”

“CRES is grateful for the leadership of Reps. Kiggans, Valadao, Newhouse and Amodei on introducing the Certainty for Our Energy Future Act,” said Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. “Right sizing policies in parallel with offering business and investment certainty is both critical and commonsense.  As America seeks to beat China in the global AI race, legislation like this strengthens our nation’s competitive edge while also ensuring American energy remains abundant and affordable.”

“ACP commends Reps. Kiggans, Garbarino, Valadao, Newhouse, and Amodei for introducing the Certainty for our Energy Future Act. The Act ensures that we protect business certainty for projects currently under planning and development and offers a very constructive starting point for discussions on the clean energy tax credits. With electricity demand projected to increase by up to 50% over the next 15 years, we need an all-of-the-above energy strategy. This legislation helps provide a roadmap to lawmakers as they continue to address this important issue,” said Frank Macchiarola, Chief Advocacy Officer, American Clean Power Association.

“As electric companies work to meet growing customer demands for electricity and to strengthen our nation’s energy security, we must have policy certainty. We are grateful to Reps. Kiggans, Amodei, Garbarino, Newhouse, and Valadao for their ongoing leadership and for recognizing that clear timelines for tax credits and access to tools like transferability support investment in critical energy infrastructure, while helping to keep costs to customers as low as possible,” said Edison Electric Institute interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “We look forward to continuing to work with Reps. Kiggans, Amodei, Garbarino, Newhouse, Valadao, and other leaders in Congress as they deliberate on tax policy changes that could impact the costs customers pay for electricity.”

The Certainty for Our Energy Future Act would:

• Extend the 45Y and 48E tax credit for solar and wind projects with a phase out in 2030.
• Ensure safe harbor rules apply for 10 years on public lands and 4 years everywhere else—codifying rules already in effect.
• Restrict or disqualify companies created, organized, or owned by foreign entities of concern (FEOC) from claiming energy tax credits. FEOCs include China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Read the full bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“Amici, as members of Congress, are keenly aware of the critical role that separation of powers plays in our constitutional democracy as a means to safeguard against the concentration of power within a single government branch,” said the Members in the brief’s introduction and summary. “Separation of powers … obligates the Judiciary to not shy from its duty to prevent Executive Branch overreach that upsets the carefully calibrated role each co-equal branch plays in our constitutional democracy.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 9, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

“Mr. Tyre Nichols was a beloved father, son, and friend who should still be alive today. Our hearts are with his parents, Ms. RowVaughn Wells and Mr. Rodney Wells, who are still grieving the loss of their son. Time and again, they have been forced to relive Tyre’s brutal assault and murder but have remarkably found the strength to continue fighting for justice for their son and the many others that have been killed by police officers who are sworn to protect and serve. The Congressional Black Caucus was honored to welcome Mr. Nichols’ parents as our guests for President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address.

“It is unfortunate that Mr. Nichols’ loved ones must today bear the news that three of the officers involved in the attack were found not guilty on all counts in the state’s case. This decision is a shock to our collective conscience as a nation and falls woefully short of true accountability. It is past time that the U.S. Congress pass legislation to address the systemic issues in law enforcement agencies across the country. It is clear to us that the institution of policing is broken. The time to rectify these gaps in responsibility, accountability, and discrimination in our criminal justice system is now. We cannot afford to wait for another loss of innocent Black life. The cycles of violence against our community must end. The time to act is upon us.

“The CBC will continue fighting alongside Mr. Nichols’ parents and others for police reform to ensure that our legal system holds accountable police officers who violate the law and the public trust until no family or community has to face a tragedy like this again.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement announcing the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in California’s 22nd Congressional District.

“Congratulations to Lauren Newkirk of East Bakersfield High School on her winning entry, and thank you to all the talented students throughout California’s 22nd Congressional District who submitted their art,” said Congressman Valadao. “Lauren’s impressive depiction of the Fox Theater is a great representation of our region’s character, and I look forward to seeing it every time I walk through the Capitol.”

The winning entry, Free Tickets, by Lauren Newkirk of East Bakersfield High School, is a painting of Fox Theater in downtown Bakersfield. The piece uses single point perspective to draw the viewer’s attention to an asymmetrically balanced composition. Lauren used her personal photograph, which she shot during an evening concert, as a reference image.

This piece will be hung in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning entries from congressional districts across the country for one year. The winner will also be invited to visit Washington, D.C. to attend a reception sponsored by the Congressional Institute, which hosts the annual competition.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“In his first term, President Trump recklessly withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) without a replacement, or even a concept of a plan of how he would secure a more favorable deal. Now, as he attempts to negotiate an end to the Iranian nuclear threat, I am deeply concerned by Trump’s own contradictory statements indicating that he would accept some level of uranium enrichment, allow Iran to maintain a stockpile of nuclear material in the country, or ignore Iran’s rampant sponsorship of global terrorism.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Today, as first reported in the Detroit News, President Donald J. Trump is expected to sign a memorandum directing his Administration to “expeditiously implement the most effective mechanisms, barriers, and other measures to prevent the migration and expansion of invasive carp in the Great Lakes Basin and surrounding region.”  Less than one month ago, Rep. Jack Bergman, joined by Michigan GOP colleagues Rep. John Moolenaar, Rep. Tim Walberg, and Rep. John James sent a scathing letter to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker calling for him to reverse course on a recent politically charged decision that would jeopardize efforts to keep invasive Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes after he halted the Brandon Road Interbasin Project.

Rep. Bergman stated, “I once again commend President Trump for delivering on his promises to Michigan. By advancing the long-overdue construction of a new Soo Lock, accelerating the Line 5 tunnel project, securing a critical new fighter mission at Selfridge, and taking decisive action to prevent the spread of invasive Asian Carp in our Great Lakes, President Trump has proven his unwavering commitment to Michigan’s infrastructure, economy, and environment.”

You can read Rep. Bergman’s full letter to Gov. Pritzker here.

Read the full Detroit News article here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) announced that Kasey Walden of Bristol’s Virginia High School won the 2025 Congressional Art Competition in Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District. Her artwork is entitled George Washington, Virginian and will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

“Congratulations to Kasey Walden on winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition in the Ninth District,” said Griffith. “Her work is a marvelous display of this year’s theme, ‘Commemorating Virginia’s Contribution to the American Revolution,’ and has earned a spot in the U.S. Capitol for all to see.

“Virginia High School is a great reflection of student artistic achievements in the Ninth District. Kasey joins a list of creative talents from Virginia High whose works earned recognition in previous Congressional art competitions.

“The Ninth District is home to many students with artistic talents and gifts. The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity for these talents to be on full display.”

Pictured from left to right: Kindle Conkin of Eastman Credit Union, Kasey Walden of Virginia High School, Congressman Morgan Griffith. 

Pictured: Kasey Walden’s parents with Kasey and Congressman Griffith.

Pictured: Congressman Griffith addresses students and faculty at Virginia High School to recognize Kasey Walden for winning the 2025 Congressional Art Competition in Virginia’s Ninth District.

George Washington, Virginian

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Foster Youth Caucus Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Recognize Foster Care Month

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, on National Foster Care Day, Foster Youth Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Don Bacon (R, NE-02)introduced a resolution to recognize the month of May as National Foster Care Month alongside fellow Co-Chairs Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D, CA-37), Erin Houchin (R, IN-09), Gwen Moore (D, WI-04), Zach Nunn (R, IA-03), and Mary Gay Scanlon (D, PA-05). The bipartisan resolution encourages Congress to implement policies to improve the child welfare system and honors foster families, social workers, and advocates for the essential role that they play in the lives of foster youth.

“As co-chair of the Foster Youth Caucus and a foster-to-adopt parent myself, I know that every child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent home, and this resolution not only recognizes the challenges faced by foster youth but honors the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to support them,” said Rep. Bacon. “Having witnessed the transformative power of foster care and adoption, I’m committed to implementing policies that improve the lives of every child in the foster care system.”

“All children deserve stable environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “I am proud to re-introduce this bipartisan resolution alongside the Foster Youth Caucus to recognize the resilience of our foster youth, honor those who make a difference in their lives, and recommit to passing policies that help ensure all children have a safe and loving home. As a Representative of Los Angeles County—home to over 30,000 foster youth—I will always champion our most vulnerable children through my work in Congress.”

“National Foster Care Month is an opportunity to lift up the young people in the child welfare system and continue pushing for proposals that improve outcomes and enhance the wellbeing of children and youth in care,” said Rep. Moore. “Serving as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I am deeply committed to that work every day.”

“Every child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent home. As a dad to six kids, including two Kelly and I were blessed to adopt, this resolution is personal to me,” said Rep. Nunn. “This month and every month, we honor the foster parents, the parents who choose to adopt, and the social workers who step up for kids with nowhere else to turn. I will keep working to build a system that helps more families who are ready to open their homes and their hearts to foster, adopt, and change a child’s life.”

“Before coming to Congress, I spent decades working as a child advocate, seeing firsthand the challenges that young people and those who serve them face in finding permanent homes and connections,” said Rep. Scanlon. “It’s why one of my top priorities in Congress is to confront the challenges of our foster care system, support the more than 369,000 children it serves, and provide the resources that those dedicated to serving them need to ensure their bright futures. Raising awareness about the need to invest in the lives of children and youth in foster care is an important part of building support and driving change–that’s why I’m proud to join my co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth in recognizing May as National Foster Care Month.”

According to the most recent data from the US Children’s Bureau, 369,000 children are living in foster care nationwide. Our nation’s foster youth face significant challenges, including disparities in positive outcomes in health, education, employment, and involvement with the justice system. National Foster Care Month was established in the United States in 1988 to recognize foster youth, foster parents, and all those who support children in the foster care system. 

The bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth provides a forum for Members of Congress to discuss and develop policy recommendations to strengthen the child welfare system and improve the overall well-being of youth and families. The Foster Youth Caucus is committed to ensuring that our nation’s vulnerable, yet resilient, youth are provided with the opportunities and support necessary to succeed.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, McClellan, Hyde-Smith, Merkley Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Address Mental Health Treatment Shortages

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Don Bacon (NE-02) and Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) introduced legislation to address mental health and substance use disorder facility shortages during a growing mental health crisis.

About one in five American adults live with mental illness, and over 75 percent of adults who needed substance use treatment in the past year did not receive that care. From shortages in inpatient beds to intensive outpatient programs to behavioral health providers, treatment availability has not kept up with growing demand. As a consequence, many patients go without care or are boarded in emergency departments for days to weeks until psychiatric beds become available, which can have deeply harmful impacts on patient well-being. 

H.R. 3266, the Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act would:

• Establish a new loan and loan guarantee program within the Department of Health and Human Services to build or renovate mental health or substance use disorder treatment facilities.
• Reserve at least a quarter of the funding for pediatric- and adolescent-serving facilities.
• Prioritize facilities located in high need, underserved or rural areas and able to provide integrated care for patients with complex needs.

“At a time when one in every five U.S. adults report experiencing mental illness, we need to be investing in mental health care,” said Rep. Bacon. “The Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act will expand mental health infrastructure and ensure we have the capability to treat those experiencing a mental healthcrisis. There is a significant shortage of available treatment, and it is crucial that we address this gap.”

“We face a mental health crisis in this country, but have yet to meet that crisis with the necessary avenues of support that our neighbors, friends, and family members need to battle a mental health or substance use disorder,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Those bravely seeking support shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get it, and addressing these facility shortages now will help ensure that care is there when patients need it. I urge my colleagues to support the Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act to invest in our nation’s well-being and ensure every American, especially our nation’s youth and underserved communities, get the care they need.”

“This legislation recognizes that our nation faces a growing crisis in not having enough infrastructure and workforce to treat people with mental health and substance abuse disorders.  We struggle with this in Mississippi,” Senator Hyde-Smith said.  “Our goal is to use loans and loan guarantees to increase the number of facilities to provide quality mental health and substance abuse care, while lessening the burdens now placed on law enforcement and local hospitals.”

“Mental health care is essential health care,” said Senator Merkley. “This legislation is about ensuring that communities in Oregon and across the nation have the infrastructure they need to provide critical mentalhealth and substance use disorder services. By investing in mental health care facilities, we can make meaningful progress in addressing the mental health crisis affecting so many of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones.”

This legislation is endorsed by the American College of Emergency Physicians, American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Hospital Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association Services, Children’s Hospital Association, Clinical Social Work Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, National Association of Social Workers, National Rural HealthAssociation, The Trevor Project, and Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.
 
Read the full bill text here. Read the one-pager here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Gottheimer Demand Answers from the Administration on U.S.-Houthi Agreement, Ongoing Threat to Israel

Washington, DC — Today, May 9, 2025, U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (NE-2) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) led a bipartisan group of colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump and Acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio demanding clarity on the May 6 agreement with the Iranian-backed Houthi forces. 

The deal made with the Houthis would halt all U.S. strikes against the terrorist group without addressing the ongoing threat to Israel, our key democratic ally. Shortly after the announcement, the Houthis declared their intent to continue targeting Israeli civilians, despite the U.S. agreement.

“On May 4 — just two days before this deal was struck — a Houthi missile reached Israeli territory, injuring six and disrupting operations at Israel’s primary international airport. That such an attack could occur after extensive efforts by the Administration to target the Houthis, and then be followed by a negotiated cessation of strikes, sends the wrong message to both our allies and adversaries: that U.S. resolve is negotiable and that aggression against our allies will go unpunished by the United States,” the Members of Congress wrote in a letter to President Trump and Acting National Security Advisor Rubio. 

The letter continues, “We urge the Administration to engage closely with our Israeli partners to ensure that any diplomatic or military arrangements fully protect Israel’s security interests and do not embolden Iranian proxies. As Members of Congress, we have a constitutional responsibility to ensure that the use of American military force is both properly authorized and strategically effective. We expect a timely briefing rooted in a strategy that defends our allies, restores deterrence, and reaffirms our global leadership.”

“The Houthi threat to global shipping cannot be separated from the danger this terrorist group continues to pose to U.S. forces in the region as well as to our allies like Israel. Ultimately, Iran is at the heart of this threat,” said Tyler Stapleton, Director of Government Relations at FDD Action. “Iran’s financial assistance and transfers of advanced weapons to the Houthis must be addressed and until they are, any agreement with this terrorist group will achieve only temporary calm. The Trump administration must develop and work with Congress to implement a long-term strategy to degrade the Houthi threat and hold Iran accountable for its continued support to this terrorist group.”

In addition to Bacon and Gottheimer, Reps. Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Dan Goldman (NY-10), and Greg Stanton (AZ-4) also signed the letter. 

Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear President Trump and Acting National Security Advisor Rubio,

We are writing to express our serious concern over the agreement reached on May 6 with the Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, which halts U.S. strikes against Houthi targets without addressing the threat to Israel. Shortly after the announcement, the Houthis declared their intent to continue targeting Israeli civilians, despite the agreement with the United States. This decision leaves Israel dangerously vulnerable and fails to confront the broader threat posed by Iran’s proxy network. 

After months of sustained operations—including more than 800 U.S. and coalition air and missile strikes—the Houthis remain not only operational, but increasingly emboldened, regularly launching ballistic missiles toward Israeli territory. This is unacceptable. The fact that such a deal was made despite the Houthis’ continued aggression underscores a troubling lack of strategic coherence. 

Since Hamas’ brutal October 7 terrorist attacks against Israel, the Houthis have openly declared their unwavering support for Hamas and Iran’s broader proxy network, launching missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and global shipping in the Red Sea. These operations have not only endangered Israeli civilians, but have also raised prices globally by disrupting one of the busiest global shipping routes in the world. 

Notably, on May 4—just two days before this deal was struck—a Houthi missile reached Israeli territory, injuring six and disrupting operations at Israel’s primary international airport. That such an attack could occur after extensive efforts by the Administration to target the Houthis, and then be followed by a negotiated cessation of strikes, sends the wrong message to both our allies and adversaries: that U.S. resolve is negotiable and that aggression against our allies will go unpunished by the United States.

Moreover, this ceasefire fails to address the root of the problem: Iran’s supply of advanced weapons, intelligence, and training to the Houthis. Without a strategy that targets Tehran’s supply lines, any agreement with the Houthis is merely a tactical pause and leaves Israel exposed.

Given these serious concerns, we are requesting a briefing to Congress by no later than May 19 that includes:

• The full details of the May 6 agreement, including a strategy for how Israel will be engaged throughout its implementation;
• An assessment of the Houthis long-range missile capabilities, specifically their ability to target Israeli territory;
• An examination of Iran’s supply of weapons systems to the Houthis, including how these supply routes have evaded U.S. forces;

We urge the Administration to engage closely with our Israeli partners to ensure that any diplomatic or military arrangements fully protect Israel’s security interests and do not embolden Iranian proxies. As Members of Congress, we have a constitutional responsibility to ensure that the use of American military force is both properly authorized and strategically effective. We expect a timely briefing rooted in a strategy that defends our allies, restores deterrence, and reaffirms our global leadership.

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