MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

After the 119th Congress was sworn in on January 3, House Republicans hit the ground running to deliver on their promise to the American people to lower the cost of living, reduce frivolous government spending, secure our borders, and unleash energy dominance. Since then, every House committee has been working diligently to meet those demands and this week, we kicked off one of the most important steps in the reconciliation process with full committee markups. 

Before any of this can happen, however, certain House committees are instructed to draft their recommendations to meet the instructions outlined by the budget resolution. Once each committee has passed their legislation package, they will then be submitted to and ultimately combined together by the Budget Committee to become “one big, beautiful bill” that will then make its way to the House Floor for a vote.

House Republicans have been working for months to finalize legislation that will reduce taxes and cut spending, and now we find ourselves in the first wave of reconciliation markups across several committees. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, it was exciting to participate in our full committee markup, where we were tasked with reducing the federal deficit by no less than $10 billion, and our reconciliation package certainly reached that goal. 

In fulfilling our mandate to bolster President Trump’s border and national security agenda, the committee is providing historic funding to the U.S. Coast Guard to stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants from entering the country, bolstering the security of our communities and nation. In addition, the committee is providing funds to modernize our severely outdated air traffic control (ATC) technology, ushering our ATC systems into the modern era and strengthening the aviation community. We’re also putting our focus on cutting wasteful spending, rescinding funding for seven unnecessary Green New Deal style programs that were created in the Inflation Reduction Act. And lastly, the committee is ensuring that EVs no longer get a free ride and must begin contributing to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) to support our nation’s highway system.

As House Republicans work together to restore fiscal sanity, protect our borders, and ensure American energy dominance, we will certainly continue in these efforts to close out the reconciliation process, deliver on the mandate from our constituents, and ultimately create a budget that puts Americans – and Arkansans – first.

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

For over 100 years, the National Park Service has been a diligent steward of the beautiful lands our nation is blessed with. In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant established Yellowstone as the very first National Park, setting precedence for future generations to preserve and enjoy the incredible natural beauty that our country so uniquely boasts. From the beautiful Cape Cod National Seashore to the desert lands of the Saguaro National Park and the glacial majesty of Denali National Park, our country is second to none in its beauty.

But of course, we can’t forget the Natural State’s own National Park, housed right here in the Fourth District. With its rich history and natural beauty, it’s no surprise people from all over the country and world come to visit Hot Springs National Park.  Locals and visitors enjoy beautiful mountain views, 26 miles of hiking trail, and the thermal springs that inspired the city’s name. In 1832, forty years before Yellowstone was even dubbed a National Park, Hot Springs was named the first Federal Reservation in the United States – receiving protection under federal law most notably due to its natural resources. Finally, in 1921, Hot Springs received its beloved title as a National Park. 

Most National Parks require visitors to trek far beyond the nearest city limits to enjoy its beauty. But the uniqueness of Hot Springs is that it’s right here in the middle of town – stunning views, both natural and architectural, make this town unique – offering up an abundance of outdoor opportunities for all who visit. As an avid outdoorsman, it’s especially exciting to take advantage of the outdoor opportunities like biking and the twenty-six miles of hiking trails the Park has to offer. 

Early explorers of this region were drawn to the great potential the geothermal springs offered as a mecca for health benefits. After decades of construction, Bathhouse Row became a popular destination, even receiving the title of National Historic Landmark District in 1987. While the bathhouses aren’t all under use today, some are still enjoyed as tourist attractions as an emporium and even a brewery – where they make use of the geothermal springs for their production process. Whether you’re enjoying the health benefits of the thermal waters through spas, outdoor natural pools, or public fountains, there is no question that Hot Springs offers natural resources unlike any other in the country. I am immensely proud to represent this historic location – and my beloved hometown – in Congress.

As the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, there are plenty of opportunities to advocate for and champion legislation that have direct impacts on the Fourth District. Last Congress, I introduced the EXPLORE Act, which was signed into law, that encourages the expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities our great nation has to offer. Much of this legislation was inspired by a great love of the outdoors which was established right here in Arkansas. Most notably, this law improves public land access, modernizes the technology used to improve visitor experiences, restores campgrounds and modernizes infrastructure – all things that greatly benefit Hot Springs National Park and other Parks across the country. 

As we wrap up a week designated to celebrating our majestic National Parks, may this serve as a reminder for all the beauty our public lands have to offer, and may we take the time to appreciate our natural resources and do our part in stewarding our land well in order for it to be enjoyed by future generations, just as much as we have been blessed to enjoy it in our own day.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

The current federal permitting process hamstrings every corner of American life. Everything from gravel road repairs to simple agricultural maintenance and large-scale industrial projects are smothered under the weight of this cumbersome process. Once a powerhouse for innovation, expansion, and production, the United States is now severely lacking in the resources needed to push necessary production across the finish line – being cut off at the knees by senseless, bureaucratic red tape. Projects that at one time took only a year or two from implementation to completion now take decades, with some still waiting to be finished. 

This week, the president signed a Presidential Memoranda aimed at updating the technology used to speed up the permitting process — a process in which a series of steps are included in order to receive authorization for constructing or developing everything from infrastructure projects to economic and environmental development. When it takes years upon years to review environmental impacts, ensure compliance with zoning regulations, identify potential issues, and more, our investments wither and our nation falls behind as we wait for infrastructure that can compete with our global adversaries and meet the growing demands of a 21^st-century society.

Under this Presidential Action, the president is urging executive departments and agencies to maximize their use of modern technology in their permitting processes for all infrastructure projects like highways, bridges, factories, and other projects that are required to meet the growing demands of a modern-day society — a step that will properly leverage technology to evaluate environmental permits which cause inordinate delays to delivering important infrastructure. 

There is still a long road ahead, however there is no doubt that House Republicans will continue working with the administration on this initiative in the 119th Congress. As a longtime advocate and supporter of permitting reform, it is immensely exciting to know that steps are being made to reform this broken, antiquated process that shackles the great potential of our nation’s economic growth. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Americans, and certainly Arkansans, are no strangers to adversity. In our most challenging times, folks across Arkansas have always been courageous, shown sincere determination and grit, and come together in order to emerge more united and stronger than we were before. Last week’s storms certainly brought adversity and uncertainty, and it was encouraging to see the state come together to provide relief and help to friends and neighbors.

There wasn’t a single corner of the Natural State that didn’t find itself on the receiving end of rainfall levels unlike anything we’ve seen before. Flooding created road closures and life-threatening situations for many areas across the state. Tornadoes wreaked havoc on homes and businesses, laying waste and devastating everything in its path, including 3 people who lost their lives and 32 more injured.

In these moments when Arkansans find themselves wondering how to move forward, the Arkansas National Guard steps up time and time again, fully embodying their motto of “Arkansas First.” Across the state, we witnessed these selfless men and women travel to the communities most heavily hit to administer aid like the 39th Brigade Support Battalion who traveled to Malvern to set up a potable water station to support the city and its surrounding areas until clean water could be restored. Other units were mobilized across the state to combat the issues brought by increased water levels and storm damage that would be the result of the severe weather passing through.

Everyone from local businesses and governments, fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, and even friends and neighbors, have been eager to serve their fellow Arkansans in the wake of the devastation brought by these spring storms. It’s been immensely encouraging to see everyone come to the aid of Arkansans in need, painting a true depiction of the values that make the Natural State truly such a great place to live: hospitality, generosity, and service. It’s times like these that I’m especially proud to be an Arkansan, and it is my sincere hope that everyone stays safe as we continue to restore the damage across our state.

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

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Third District Youth Advisory Council and encourages high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to submit their applications by June 27th.

The Third District Youth Advisory Council is a forum for students to share opinions, thoughts, and concerns with Congressman Smith about local and federal issues throughout the school year. This group provides students the opportunity to discuss the concerns of young Nebraskans and give their input on issues facing our country. 
“I appreciate the insight I receive from Youth Advisory Council members. Engaging young Nebraskans in civic life is vital to our state’s future and an important aspect of my work,” said Rep. Smith. 

Members must be able to serve from August 2025 until May 2026. 

For more information, and to download the application, please visit AdrianSmith.House.Gov/Services/Youth-Advisory-Council. 

To learn more about the Youth Advisory Council, interested students and educators can contact Smith’s Grand Island office at 308-384-3900, Nebraska City office at 402-874-6050, or his Scottsbluff office at 308-633-6333. 
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

As Republicans push an extreme budget that hands $7 trillion in giveaways to billionaires and big corporations, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined House Democrats in introducing legislation to block the extreme and unprecedented cuts to Medicaid and food assistance in the Republican budget.

“The Republican budget is harmful to the Central Coast’s working families—threatening to gut Medicaid, SNAP, and food assistance just to hand out more tax breaks to billionaires like Elon Musk,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’m proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues to introduce the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act, because no family should have to forgo medical care or go hungry while the ultra-wealthy get another tax giveaway.”

While Republican leaders claim they won’t cut Medicaid benefits, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office confirmed that the Republican budget would result in the largest Medicaid cuts in U.S. history (see fact sheet here). The Republican proposal demands slashing at least $880 billion from programs under the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which is impossible without devastating cuts to Medicaid, a critical program that provides essential health care to nearly one in three Americans.

The Republican budget also demands at least $230 billion in cuts to programs under the House Agriculture Committee, threatening the largest-ever cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps over 42 million Americans afford groceries. These cuts to food and health assistance come as grocery and health care costs remain high—and as Donald Trump advances a new wave of tariffs that would amount to the largest middle-class tax increase in 50 years, costing households an estimated $3,800 annually.

Meanwhile, the proposed cuts would be used to help pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. According to the nonpartisan Yale Budget Lab, nearly 70 percent of the benefits of the major policies in the Republican budget would go to the top 5 percent of earners. While the top 0.1 percent gets an annual tax cut of $314,266, working and middle-class families would be left to bear the burden of higher costs and reduced access to health care and food assistance.

The Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act would protect families by prohibiting Republicans from weaponizing the reconciliation process to cut benefits or remove individuals from Medicaid and SNAP. This would help ensure that tens of millions of Americans continue to have access to essential health care and food assistance (district-level data is available here).

The text of the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Santa Cruz, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) issued the following statement on the release of Cliona Ward, a 30-year legal permanent resident of Santa Cruz County who was detained and threatened with deportation back to Ireland under this Administration’s deportation policy: 

“Cliona Ward’s release demonstrates what can happen when we come together to fight for transparency, due process, and justice. We fought for Cliona from the top down and the bottom up.  I pressured officials from the White House to the Irish government.  We worked with her exceptional legal team from Seattle to Santa Cruz.  And we coordinated with community advocates and her family.  We fought to make sure that all of the facts about Cliona and her case were presented so that the Court could use its full discretion and do the right thing.”

“But this case also is an example of this Administration doing the wrong thing when it comes to its overreaching deportation policies that can sweep up people like Cliona.  As a former narcotics and gang prosecutor, I understand and appreciate the removal of gang members and violent criminals from our communities.  However, due process and transparency are what allow us to formally separate green card holders like Cliona who have turned around their lives and contribute to our communities.  That is just one of the many reasons why we in California’s 19^th Congressional District will continue to stand up, speak up, and step up for people like Cliona, and fight for due process under the laws of our land.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced the winners of the annual Congressional Art Competition held for local high school students.  Claire Hamilton from San Lorenzo Valley High School earned first place for her piece titled, “Hearts at Rest.”  Claire’s artwork will be proudly displayed in the United States Capitol alongside winning submissions from across the country.

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide tradition that began in 1982.  Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Each spring, congressional offices select a winning piece to be displayed in the United States Capitol.  First-place winners and a family member are invited to Washington, D.C. for a special ceremony honoring their achievement.  This year, 21 students from every county in the 19th Congressional District submitted original artwork for the competition.

“Through their expression, these high school artists reflected the beauty, diversity, and shared values of our home in California’s 19th Congressional District,” said Rep. Panetta.  “I’ll see Claire’s artwork every day as I walk through the Capitol and feel a deep sense of pride for the young people that I represent.  Our community is stronger, and our democracy is healthier when young people comprehend what it means to engage, whether through art, service, or civic participation.”

The full list of winners and honorees for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition is below:

• First Place: Claire Hamilton, San Lorenzo Valley High School, “Hearts at Rest”
• Second Place: Daeun Jung, California School of Art and Design, “In a Mother’s Eye”
• Third Place: Vivian Ming, Pacific Grove High School, “A Brilliant, Billion of Stars”
• Honorable Mention for Composition: Finn Maxwell, San Lorenzo Valley High School, “Remembering Something in Spring”
• Honorable Mention for Creative Vision: Seta Nicholson, Harbor High School, “The Privation”
• Honorable Mention for Distinctive Style: Sophia Spivey, Pacific Grove High School, “What Becomes of Roads No Longer Traveled”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) released the following statement on recent developments in the Middle East:

“As the Middle East continues to be a tinder box of tensions, it is critical that the United States maintain its work with our partners to counter Iran and other extremist groups and bring stability to the region.  During my limited time in Congress, I have been to the Middle East more than any other region in an effort to ensure that countries, including Israel, continue their commitment to work with the U.S. to achieve peace.  This includes establishing mechanisms that prevent Iran from furthering tensions and diplomatic efforts to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

“Israel has the right and obligation to defeat Hamas and rescue the remaining 59 hostages still held in Gaza.  At the same time, it is critical that Israel enables the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.  During the recent ceasefire, Israel surged humanitarian supplies into Gaza, including 25,000 trucks full of food, essential medicine, and fuel. Unfortunately, Hamas prevented or negated some of that aid from reaching civilians in dire need.  While the temporary truce allowed for the release of hostages, the ceasefire was ended in March after Hamas refused to cooperate on any further release of hostages.  Israel subsequently issued a blockade of Gaza to pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages and negotiate a regional security plan.  However, this restriction has impacted Palestinian civilians by furthering suffering and malnutrition in Gaza and creating resentment in the region. 

“Israel will defend itself against Iran and its proxies of Hamas, Hezbollah, and others.  Yet, those extremist groups drive chaos, recruit, and garner support from the suffering of civilian populations in war zones.  Israel’s security will be enhanced when stable governing structures emerge in those places where Iran’s proxies act.  That starts with Israel immediately allowing humanitarian assistance back into Gaza to alleviate suffering.  Hamas must release every hostage now.  Israel must continue to work with the U.S. and Arab partners in the region to support Palestinian leadership that can be an alternative to Hamas.  The cycle of regional conflict that has been devastating to civilian populations will be broken only with the foundation of humanity, stability, and security.

“As threats from Iran and its proxy networks persist across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, the United States will continue its work with willing partners to confront terrorism, counter the spread of radical influence, and protect regional energy infrastructure and international shipping lanes.  The United States can do that by continuing to build a coalition of partners to deter Iran. Israel will be a part of that effort, while it works to defeat Hamas and immediately deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. That would help stop the suffering of Palestinians and provide a foundation of stability and security for Israel and a path to peace in the Middle East.”
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC — Tomorrow, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) will hold a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to address the deportations of U.S. citizen children to Honduras, attacks on due process, and detainee abuse. 

The Trump administration is doubling down its cruel attacks on immigrant families, forcing mothers into impossible choices about their children’s well-being. It’s a continuation of Trump’s 2018 family separations and this president’s zeal to exploit the suffering of families and children for political gain.

WHAT: CHC Press Conference

WHO: 
·    CHC Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
·    Whip Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)
·    Vice Chair of Communications Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35)
·    Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20)
·    Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52)
·    Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44)
·    ACLU Louisiana Legal Director Alanah Odoms
·    National Immigration Project Executive Director Sirine Shebaya

WHEN: Wednesday, April 30th at 12:00 PM

WHERE: House Triangle, United States Capitol, Washington, DC 20004

WATCH: Livestream at https://x.com/RepEspaillat

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. 

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov