MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

SAN JOSE, CA – U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) issued the below statement following the passing of her former colleague, Congresswoman Nita Lowey:

“Nita Lowey was a resolute leader and staunch public servant, and I am saddened at the news of her passing. Like many of my current and former colleagues, Nita broke glass ceilings – including as the first female Chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee – paving the way for women to lead in Congress. This will help shape the future for the better for our daughters. 

“Congresswoman Lowey’s legacy will be felt for many years to come. I offer comfort and peace to her family at this difficult time.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

SAN JOSE, CA – U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) issued the below statement following the passing of her colleague, Congressman Raúl Grijalva:

“Our country has lost a tireless leader with the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Those of us who had the honor of working alongside him have also lost a friend.

“Over the years, we specifically worked together to protect the rights of immigrants, and his advocacy will live on. I wish Congressman Grijalva’s family solace during this time of mourning.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

Members Urge UK’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal to Lift Secrecy Around Reported UK Government Order to Weaken Encryption and Threaten the Security and Privacy of Americans’ Information

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH-08), today called for transparency from the U.K.’s top surveillance court about the UK government’s reported order to Apple to build a backdoor into encrypted iCloud backups to enable government surveillance of messages, photos and other files. Under U.K. law, Apple is barred from confirming the backdoor order to the public or even members of Congress.

According to reports, Apple is challenging the order at the U.K.’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal in a closed-door hearing on March 14. The bipartisan group of members urged the court to “remove the cloak of secrecy” surrounding the order, and to make this hearing and any further proceedings in the case public. They noted that secrecy in this case is pointless, given that the order has now been widely reported and commented on, and that Apple withdrew its encryption service for U.K. users last month. 

“Given the significant technical complexity of this issue, as well as the important national security harms that will result from weakening cybersecurity defenses, it is imperative that the U.K.’s technical demands of Apple— and of any other U.S. companies — be subjected to robust, public analysis and debate by cybersecurity experts,” the members wrote. “Secret court hearings featuring intelligence agencies and a handful of individuals approved by them do not enable robust challenges on highly technical matters.”

The U.S. government has recommended that officials only communicate using secure, encrypted services, following multiple damaging hacks of sensitive government data from insecure third-party systems in recent years. The Chinese government’s “Salt Typhoon” hack of American phone systems, the “Snowflake” data breach of “nearly all” AT&T customers’ data, including government officials, and the Chinese government’s hack of Microsoft-hosted U.S. government email accounts, all involved data held by third party companies on insecure systems that were subsequently accessed by hackers. 

The members wrote that secrecy required of backdoor orders impedes Congress’s power to conduct oversight, including by barring U.S. companies from disclosing foreign orders that threaten Americans’ privacy and cybersecurity.

“Apple has informed Congress that had it received a technical capabilities notice, it would be barred by U.K. law from telling Congress whether or not it received such a notice from the U.K., as the press has reported,” they wrote. “Google also recently told Senator Wyden’s office that, if it had received a technical capabilities notice, it would be prohibited from disclosing that fact.”

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and President Donald Trump raised concerns about the reported U.K. order following a letter from Wyden and Biggs last month. DNI Gabbard stated in her response that the U.K.’s reported demand would be “a clear and egregious violation of Americans’ privacy and civil liberties, and open up a serious vulnerability for cyber exploitation by adversarial actors.” President Trump also said that he raised the issue during Prime Minister Starmer’s recent visit to Washington, comparing the U.K.’s actions to the conduct of China.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) joined Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) in reintroducing the bipartisan Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act, aimed at removing barriers to agriculture disaster assistance for producers. This bill would provide farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture producers with improved access to federal disaster assistance following natural disasters, ensuring that basic safety net programs are available when they are needed most. Reps. Kat Cammack (Fl-03) and Austin Scott (GA-08) also co-lead this legislation. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act would address outdated adjusted gross income (AGI) limitations that prevent many full-time farmers from accessing crucial USDA disaster programs. These limitations have not kept pace with inflation, and specialty crop producers, particularly those affected by disasters like flooding in California, have faced significant barriers to receiving aid.

“As natural disasters increase in both scope and frequency, the federal government should reform and provide safeguards for local specialty crop producers. The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act does that by revising income limits that often act as barriers to accessing USDA programs. We should all want to make commonsense reforms that help the agriculture industry rebound and stay afloat after disaster strikes,” said Rep. Lofgren.

“Barriers to assistance programs for our farmers and ranchers can hold back the recovery of rural economies after natural disasters,” said Rep. Panetta. “This bipartisan legislation would ensure that producers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods can access the resources they need to not only get by during times crisis but also to rebuild stronger.  This is a commonsense solution that will strengthen our agricultural safety net and the agriculture of our country.”

“Our farmers, ranchers, and producers work hard every day to feed and clothe our nation.  When disaster strikes, they should be able to access the important programs designed to protect them,” said Rep. Cammack. “The AGI limitations set years ago have denied access for producers who truly need it, and the exemption for farms making 75 percent of their income from farming and farming-related practices is much-needed to bolster resilience. I’m glad to join my House and Senate colleagues in leading this effort to ensure fair access to these critical disaster programs.”

“From wildfires and drought damaging our farmland to storms flooding our fields, growing conditions for farmers in California and across the country are facing unprecedented impacts from natural disasters,” said Senator Padilla. “As we approach the Farm Bill expiration later this year, hundreds of thousands of farmers — including growers devastated by the 2023 Tropical Storm Hilary floods — are still counting on us to make things right. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation would even the playing field for specialty crop growers hoping to access critical federal agriculture disaster programs.”

“North Carolina farmers are all too familiar with natural disasters and the barriers to access disaster relief programs,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to expand access to critical disaster relief programs for farmers across the state and give them the tools to rebuild when disaster strikes.”

Specifically, the Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act would:

• Exempt the AGI limitation for farms that get 75% of their income from farming or related farming practices (agri-tourism, direct-to-consumer marketing of agricultural products, sale of agricultural equipment owned by person or entity, and other agriculture-related activities, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture).
• This would apply to the following disaster programs:
  • Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)
  • Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)
  • Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)
  • Tree Assistance Program (TAP)
  • Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)

The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act is endorsed by the Almond Alliance, American Honey Producers Association, Blue Diamond, California Aquaculture Association, California Farm Bureau, California Strawberry Commission, East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, International Fresh Produce Association, National Aquaculture Association, North Carolina Farm Bureau, Northwest Aquaculture Alliance, Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, and Western Growers. 

“The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act is a critical step toward ensuring that fresh produce growers can access the economic relief they need when disaster strikes their operations,” said Cathy Burns, CEO, International Fresh Produce Association. “By exempting the AGI limitation for these producers, this bill recognizes the unique financial realities of agriculture and strengthens the safety net for those who feed and nourish our communities nationwide.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

CA Delegation to Congressional Leadership: “We urge you to ensure Los Angeles County has the resources it needs to recover and rebuild in an upcoming disaster relief bill.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18) and Ken Calvert (R-CA-41), Chairs of the Democratic and Republican Congressional Delegations, respectively, along with U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-CA) led the entire bipartisan California Congressional delegation in urging Senior Congressional leadership to provide additional disaster relief funding and resources to help Los Angeles County communities rebuild after the recent devastating fires.

At the urging of Padilla, Schiff, Calvert, Lofgren, and a bipartisan group of 45 other California Members of Congress, former President Biden issued a major disaster declaration in response to the fires on January 8, 2025. Although federal support so far has helped, the extensive damage caused by the Los Angeles fires will require additional federal assistance, coordination, and funding for short- and long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

“The tremendous task of rebuilding is well underway with Phase 1 removal of household hazardous materials from properties destroyed or heavily damaged by the Eaton and Palisades fires,” wrote the lawmakers. “However, the road to full recovery is long, and while the response from the federal government has been incredibly helpful to date, additional funding and resources will be needed.” 

“Just as the federal government has come to the aid of communities impacted by wildfires across the western United States, tornados in the Midwest, ice storms in Texas, or hurricanes in the Southeast, we should once again support the recovery of the impacted families, businesses, and communities in Los Angeles County,” continued the lawmakers. “Therefore, we urge you to ensure Los Angeles County has the resources it needs to recover and rebuild in an upcoming disaster relief bill.”

Fueled by wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour, the Los Angeles County fires burned more than 40,000 acres — an area almost three times the size of Manhattan. The fires destroyed over 16,000 structures, forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, and took at least 29 lives. At one point, California mobilized more than 15,000 personnel including firefighters, guard service members, highway patrol officers, and transportation teams to support disaster response.

Yesterday, Padilla, Schiff, Calvert, and Lofgren pushed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to extend the application deadline for federal disaster assistance for victims of the Los Angeles fires.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Leader Thune, Speaker Johnson, Leader Schumer, and Leader Jeffries,

We write to highlight the ongoing response and recovery from the major disaster that was declared on Jan 8, 2025, in Los Angeles County. The tremendous task of rebuilding is well underway with Phase 1 removal of household hazardous materials from properties destroyed or heavily damaged by the Eaton and Palisades fires. However, the road to full recovery is long, and while the response from the federal government has been incredibly helpful to date, additional funding and resources will be needed.

Fueled by wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour, the Los Angeles County wildfires burned over 40,000 acres, destroyed over 16,000 structures, forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, and killed more than two dozen people. At one point, California mobilized more than 15,000 personnel including firefighters, guard service members, highway patrol officers and transportation teams to aid in the response effort. For comparison, these wildfires burned an area almost three times the size of Manhattan, and the extensive damage caused by the wildfires requires additional federal assistance, coordination, and funding.

These wildfires have caused widespread damage across Los Angeles County, including to federal and state highways and roads, critical public infrastructure, homes, and buildings. The historic destruction caused by these wildfires requires additional federal funding and support. Just as the federal government has come to the aid of communities impacted by wildfires across the western United States, tornados in the Midwest, ice storms in Texas, or hurricanes in the Southeast, we should once again support the recovery of the impacted families, businesses, and communities in Los Angeles County. Therefore, we urge you to ensure Los Angeles County has the resources it needs to recover and rebuild in an upcoming disaster relief bill.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

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

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) along with Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) introduced legislation, H.R. 2093, to reform federal permitting standards for local wastewater treatment and water recycling projects. The legislation would extend the maximum term for certain permits issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) is the Democratic co-lead of the bill, and Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) is an original cosponsor. 

“Water infrastructure investments across California and other states are critical to maintaining our access to clean and reliable water supplies,” said Rep. Calvert. “This legislation takes a common sense step of reforming our federal permitting requirements to correspond to the time it takes to build water infrastructure projects.”

“Every Californian and American deserves clean water and world-class infrastructure, but too often these projects are delayed,” said Rep. Garamendi. “There are water recycling projects in California in their third permit term that have never even broken ground. This is unacceptable. Our bill upholds Clean Water Act protections while ensuring federal permits accurately reflect the construction timeframe of water projects, cutting the permitting backlog in half. California needs upgrades to aging water treatment plants in the Bay Area and new water recycling facilities to meet our water supply needs.

“To extend permits for up to 10 years means we can help eliminate backlogs and delays, and better use taxpayer dollars on our priority infrastructure projects,” said American Public Works Association President Dominick A. Longobardi, the Deputy Town Comptroller/Director of Purchasing for the Town of Hempstead, New York.

“APWA thanks Representatives Garamendi and Calvert for reintroducing this legislation to extend permits for up to 10 years,” said American Public Works Association CEO Scott D. Grayson, CAE. “Permitting reform is important for our members; so important it’s a vital piece in our public policy priorities. The change would help public works professionals do their work in a more cost-effective way.”

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

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) reintroduced the Ending Major Borderland Environmental Ruin from Wildfires (EMBER) Act, H.R. 2026, legislation to reduce the threat of wildfires along the southern border and protect the safety and mission of our Border Patrol officers. The bill is part of a larger legislative package dubbed the Federal Lands Amplified Security for the Homeland Act or the FLASH Act that was featured during a legislative hearing before the House Natural Resources Committee today.
 
“The EMBER Act will improve border security and reduce wildfire risks by restoring the Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative,” said Rep. Calvert. “Restarting this initiative, which was terminated by the Biden administration, is a common-sense approach that will create a safer wildland interface with our southern border.”
 
The EMBER ACT will:

• Restore and codify the Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative ended under the Biden-Harris administration to conduct hazardous fuels activities along the southern border to improve sightlines for Border Patrol officers and reduce the risk of wildfires
• Direct the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to work in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security to put policies into place to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires started by illegal immigration (i.e. illegal campfires)

Background:
 
On January 27, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 13990, which rescinded Executive Order 13855 (“Promoting Active Management of America’s Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands to Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk”) aimed to address forest management practices to reduce wildfire risks. On March 1, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order improving forest management and wildfire suppression operations.

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

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted along with a majority (217 to 213) of the House of Representatives for H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025. The bill funds the federal government through Fiscal Year 2025, which ends on September 30, 2025. 

“While my preference is always to pass individual appropriations bills, I believe we must take every possible step to prevent a government shutdown – which is what this bill achieves,” said Rep. Calvert. “As the Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked with Chairman Cole and my colleagues to ensure our military has the necessary resources to execute its national security mission. I’m also pleased that the bill includes the largest pay raise for junior enlisted troops in over 40 years, which has been one of my top priorities. The bill protects Social Security, Medicare, and our critical VA programs that our veterans rely on.”

The bill approved today by the House:

• Ensures a costly government shutdown does not befall the American people and fully funds core government services.
• Maintains government operations without increasing the spending of taxpayer dollars.
• Upholds responsibilities to our nation’s veterans and ensures full funding for their healthcare services and benefits.
• Enhances defense investments and includes the largest pay raise for junior enlisted troops in over 40 years.
• Provides $22.5 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Fund to ensure continued support for California to assist with debris removal, emergency protection, and financial assistance to survivors of the Los Angeles wildfires and other natural disasters.
• Supports federal wildland firefighters and their work to protect our communities and public lands.
• Protects Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients from the disruptions and confusion a shutdown will cause.
• Increases funding for air traffic control priorities over FY24.
• The bill fully funds the program that provides important nutrition assistance to mothers, infants, and children. It includes a more than $500M increase for WIC, as requested by the Trump Administration, for a total of $7.6B.

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

Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) reintroduced the Federally Integrated Species Health (FISH) Act, H.R. 1894, to consolidate the management and regulation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), with respect to anadromous species, within the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Currently, ESA authority is split between FWS and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 

“The FISH Act will benefit species and Americans trying to comply with the Endangered Species Act by having a single federal agency manage all species,” said Rep. Calvert. “Consolidating the management of our endangered species and our rivers will translate into better results for species and those trying to comply with ESA regulations. The FISH Act will provide stakeholders and our habitats a more uniform approach to managing threatened and endangered species.” 

“California’s water delivery system and its fisheries would benefit from having a single federal agency responsible for anadromous species management to help avoid conflicting regulations from multiple agencies,” said Deven Upadhyay General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. “The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California appreciates Representative Calvert introducing this legislation and looks forward to its passage.”

“There is a concerted and holistic effort in California’s Sacramento Valley to help recover Chinook salmon while ensuring safe drinking water for our communities; reliable water supplies for our farms, hydropower, and recreation that serve as the economic engine for the region; and water to improve conditions for other fish and wildlife,” said David Guy, President, Northern California Water. “To continue our important recovery partnerships with federal and state agencies in an effective and affordable manner, having the federal fish and wildlife agencies within a unified federal agency will provide for better communications, streamline decision-making, and help Californians advance the holistic approach needed to improve conditions for our amazing salmon.”

“We commend Representative Ken Calvert for his unwavering commitment to advancing the FISH Act,” said Roger Cornwell, Board President, Sacramento River Settlement Contractors. “By consolidating authority within the Department of Interior, the FISH Act will enhance our ability to implement effective conservation measures and balance the needs of all species in our watersheds. This approach aligns perfectly with our ongoing efforts to recover winter-run Chinook salmon and other iconic fish populations in the Sacramento River basin while maintaining the environmental and economic vitality of our region. The FISH Act is a testament to the need for a more coordinated federal response to the complex challenges of promoting salmon recovery.”

“We applaud Representative Calvert for his leadership in working to resolve a longstanding issue that has led to inefficient and sometimes conflicting implementation of the Endangered Species Act,” said Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. “The FISH Act will improve ESA implementation by giving a single agency the responsibility of implementing the Act, minimizing duplication and potential conflicts like those experienced in prior years in California when Reclamation was ordered to release water out of Shasta Reservoir for smelt by the Fish and Wildlife Service at the same time that NOAA Fisheries directed Reclamation to hold that same water in Shasta to improve temperature management for salmonid species.”

“The Federally Integrated Species Health (FISH) Act is a groundbreaking step forward, bringing much-needed clarity to our regional water management approach,” said Mauricio Guardado, General Manager of United Water Conservation District . “By resolving the long-standing confusion between federal agencies, it saves taxpayers millions and ensures that science-based, experience-driven decisions are at the heart of our habitat preservation efforts. For too long, the National Marine Fisheries Service has managed species in areas outside its core expertise—territories where the Fish and Wildlife Service has extensive knowledge and understanding. This shift in responsibility aligns the right expertise with the right habitats, empowering water agencies, businesses, and families, while strengthening the ecosystems that support us all. The FISH Act brings balance, progress, and a future where every decision benefits the greater good. United Water Conservation District has been a proud partner in this joint effort, contributing additional language to the bill that reflects the unique needs of water agencies. We deeply appreciate Representative Calvert’s collaborative approach in crafting the FISH Act, which exemplifies a common-sense solution to complex issues.”

The ESA is currently administered by FWS and the Commerce Department’s NMFS. The FWS has primary responsibility for terrestrial and freshwater organisms, while the responsibilities of NMFS are mainly marine wildlife such as whales and anadromous fish, such as salmon.  The Federally Integrated Species Health Act would transfer the NMFS’ ESA responsibilities for management of anadromous and catadromous species to the FWS.

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

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress:

“After less than 45 days in office, President Trump is already delivering on many of the promises he made during the 2024 campaign. We have seen our southern border secured and dangerous criminal illegal immigrants being removed from our communities. An all-encompassing review of our federal government is underway to uncover and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. Major employers have announced significant investments in America, increasing economic opportunities for workers. 

Looking ahead, President Trump and Congress must work together to provide families with relief from higher prices and prevent a massive tax increase they are facing with tax cuts expiring at the end of 2025. We have an opportunity to build upon the successful 2017 cuts by enacting ‘no tax on tips,’ raising the cap on SALT deductions, and enhancing the child tax credit. To strengthen our national security, we need to disrupt the status quo and leverage American innovation into a technological advantage on the battlefield. Investments ensuring our military superiority will deter our adversaries and pave the path toward a more peaceful future.”

 

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