MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined 142 Members of Congress in demanding answers regarding the termination of students’ legal status. Despite the Trump Administration’s recent claim that it would reverse course, only Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made any policy change.  While students are no longer immediately deportable, they will be unable to return to the United States once they go home after the semester ends, as the State Department is not restoring students’ visa status.

“This is not about national security. It is about using immigration enforcement as a weapon to stifle political dissent, restrict due process, and enforce an exclusionary and nativist vision of America that runs counter to everything our institutions of higher learning stand for,” wrote the lawmakers. “Across the country, students are being picked up – in some cases by masked immigration agents in unmarked cars – and being held in detention facilities with no warning and limited information as to why they are being deported.”

According to recent reporting, more than 1,800 students and recent graduates across 280 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked. Since Trump took office, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also confirmed that at least 4,736 have had their legal status terminated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). However, DHS does not have the authority to terminate this legal status except under very specific circumstances, none of which have been met in the vast majority of these cases.

“Our campuses have been spaces where students and scholars from around the world come together to challenge assumptions, push the boundaries of knowledge, and foster the innovation that has made our country a global leader,” continued the lawmakers. “But today, the Trump administration’s heavy-handed and politically motivated immigration enforcement is turning university campuses into places of fear, rather than learning, and these actions deter students from coming to study at U.S. institutions.”

Reporting has also shown that the State Department has been using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to identify students to target through their social media accounts. This aspect is especially troubling as social media accounts may not feature students’ names, and AI facial recognition is often prone to mistakes, at significantly higher rates when identifying people of color.

The full text of the letter can be read here.  

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

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Congressman Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) reintroduced the Iceland Commercial and Economic Leadership for Arctic and National Development (ICELAND) Act. This bipartisan legislation would add Iceland to the list of nations eligible for investment and trade in the U.S—provided that U.S. nationals are treated similarly by the government of Iceland.

The bill would also make Icelanders eligible for E-1 and E-2 nonimmigrant work visas, which are reserved for nationals of countries with which the U.S. has a treaty of commerce, a qualifying international agreement, or has granted eligibility by statute. Iceland is currently one of the few European countries excluded from these visas.

“Iceland has long been an important trade partner of the United States—and especially for Maine, where our longstanding shipping and seafood trade with Iceland has fostered deep economic and cultural ties,” said Pingree. “My bipartisan ICELAND Act would strengthen that partnership for generations to come, creating greater economic opportunities for both countries at a time when the global economic order is rapidly shifting. By extending E-1 and E-2 visa eligibility to Icelanders, we’re not only honoring our shared commitments; we’re also investing in the kind of bilateral cooperation that fuels innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term growth in America and in the Arctic region. The ICELAND Act would bring our two countries into closer strategic alignment at a time when such partnerships are more critical than ever.” 

“As co-chair of the Iceland Caucus, I know the importance of having a strong relationship between the United States and Iceland,” said Murphy. “Iceland serves as an important ally in our common pursuit of democracy and economic security, and this legislation would be a critical step in strengthening the ties between our two nations. The ICELAND Act would increase trade and expand economic opportunities, while also injecting capital into both of our economies.”

Background:

In 1944, the United States was the first country to recognize the independent Republic of Iceland. As NATO members, Iceland and the United States share strategic interests in the Arctic region, as well as many political and cultural values, including mutual respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The U.S. and Iceland have a longstanding history of trade. As an export powerhouse in seafood ($247 million), optical and medical instruments ($75 million), beverages ($31 million), special other ($29 million), and machinery ($16 million), Iceland contributes to the commercial and trading interests of the U.S. economy. The U.S.

E-1 and E-2 visas allow foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for a period of up to two years (with an option to renew on a rolling basis) to engage in substantial trade and investment activities. Nationals of 84 countries are eligible for E-1 and/or E-2 visa status. Iceland is one of only four European countries (Russia, Hungary, and Belarus) and of a small handful of NATO and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development member states that do not currently hold this status. Traditionally, E-1 and E-2 visas were extended to foreign citizens under “treaties of navigation”, however in recent years legislation is typically required to add nations to the list of eligible countries. In 2018, the KIWI Act was signed into law, granting citizens of New Zealand access to E visas. In 2022, the AMIGOS Act was signed into law, granting E visa eligibility to citizens of Portugal.

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

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced that the two Maine students she nominated to attend U.S. Service Academies have both been accepted. Falmouth High School senior Samuel Yoon will attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado and Greely High School senior Riley Record will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York.

“Being accepted to a U.S. Service Academy is an extraordinary achievement that speaks volumes about a student’s academic excellence, leadership, and character,” said Pingree. “Like all the Maine students I’ve had the honor of nominating, Samuel and Riley have shown an outstanding commitment to serving our country. I’m incredibly proud of their acceptance to the Air Force Academy and West Point, and I wish them all the best.”

“My experience as captain [of my high school soccer team] has taught me the values of serving others and has reinforced my belief in the Air Force’s core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do,” Samuel wrote in his letter requesting a nomination.“I have been fortunate to grow up in a caring family and community. I feel drawn to service, and the environment that the military provides is how I want to serve. The military’s emphasis on duty, honor, and selfless service resonates with me.”

“It is truly the camaraderie, atmosphere, and service to country that drew me to the Academies. That camaraderie is something I have not felt elsewhere, and the universal ambition and drive of the students create an environment I wish to be a part of,” Riley wrote in her letter requesting a nomination. “I see the Academies as [a means] to dedicate my life to something bigger than myself, and to become a leader who will help people and my country. What I want most in my life is to have a purpose and be a part of an organization greater than a single entity, and the military would allow me this privilege.”

To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Leads Resolution Designating National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives to designate May 5, 2025, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.  

“The rate of missing and murdered indigenous women cases increase every year, and impacted communities continue to suffer,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Designating May 5 as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls sheds light on this crisis and serves as a reminder that we must better equip our native communities to solve these devastating cases. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining me on this important issue.” 

“The U.S. can no longer look away from the pain and injustice endured by Indigenous families whose mothers, daughters, sisters, and relatives have gone missing or been murdered,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “Honoring the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is one way to bring national attention to this issue. As a nation, we have a moral responsibility to confront this crisis head-on—to honor the lives lost, support the families who continue to grieve, and make sure that Native communities have the resources, authority, and protection they deserve. We must uplift Native voices and invest in services for Indian Country so there are no more stolen sisters and no more stolen joy.” 

Newhouse and Leger Fernández were joined by Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Ed Case (D-HI), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) in introducing the resolution.  

Rep. Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee said, “For far too long, dangerous predators have disproportionately targeted indigenous women and girls, with violence against Native women greatly exceeding the national average. Ending this crisis starts with awareness. Thanks to the leadership of Rep. Newhouse, this legislation designates May 5th as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which is critical to increasing awareness of this issue and stopping this terrible crisis once and for all.” 

Rep. Jared Huffman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee said, “Although the epidemic of missing Indigenous people spans the country, these tragic crimes are often ignored. Tribal members in my district and across the country have been putting in the hard work on the ground to protect their people – but they can’t do it all alone. We have to shine a light on this crisis, and by designating May 5th as the National Day of Awareness for MMIW, we can call attention to this pervasive issue and get tribal communities the focus and support needed to end this injustice.” 

Rep. Dusty Johnson said, “Every life is worth fighting for. I’ve worked with South Dakota’s tribal leaders to advocate for additional tribal law enforcement resources and it’s important more than ever to continue focused efforts on our missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. According to the South Dakota Missing Persons Clearinghouse, nearly 60% of all missing persons in South Dakota are Native American. I’m grateful to partner with Rep. Newhouse to bring hope and healing to families across South Dakota.” 

Rep. Greg Stanton said, “It’s one of our nation’s greatest shames that such violence is perpetuated against Native communities, especially Native women, to this day. By designating May 5 as a National Day of Awareness for MMIP, this resolution honors the many victims and their families while calling on us all to finally end this crisis of violence. I’m proud to reaffirm my commitment to ensuring Native communities have all the necessary resources to seek justice and healing.” 

Rep. Stephanie Bice said, “I strongly express my support for the designation of May 5th as the ‘National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’. Not only are Indigenous people disproportionately the victims of violence in America, but also in Oklahoma. A study by the Urban Indian Health Institute rated Oklahoma in the top 10 states for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. I’m grateful that my colleague, Congressman Dan Newhouse, introduced this critical legislation. We must continue working to bring awareness to these heartbreaking tragedies so that affected families may find justice.” 

Rep. Adrian Smith said, “The prevalence of violence against indigenous women and girls is a tragedy which calls for action. I thank Rep. Newhouse for his leadership on this resolution honoring survivors, families, and those we have lost.”

The legislation is supported by stakeholder groups including the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Tulalip Tribes, the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, and the National Congress of American Indians.

Gerald Lewis, Chairman, Yakama Nation Tribal Council said, “The Yakama Nation appreciates Congressman Newhouse continuously acknowledging the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous people throughout Indian Country. The hardship of having missing and murdered relatives at a regular and increasing rate causes distress for the Yakama Nation and other tribal nations with significant land bases; many times, we lack resources and support to adequately patrol our homelands. Preventative action could assist in combating this issue that continues to engrain generational trauma into our people. To accomplish this, support must be provided to tribal nations’ public safety, law enforcement, and justice systems through legislative action and collaboration from all governing bodies; no matter if they are local or federal. We can work together to bring our people home.” 

Charlene Tillequots, Yakama Nation Tribal Council, Chair for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Committee said, “Indian Country has dealt with crime and harm against our people for far too long. Today many families grieve the loss of a loved one, with no justice or closure to comfort them, because of shortfalls that obstruct initiatives that could combat this issue. The Yakama Nation and tribes across the United States desperately need resources for safety measures and justice services to protect the communities on our Reservation – this help includes recognition that this needs to be addressed immediately. Congressman Newhouse’s gesture, this resolution, addresses an impediment to Tribal sovereignty and public safety work we face today. We hope to continue making progress for future generations to be in a safer place than we are now – we’re simply aiming, at the very least, to have our family members make it home each night.” 

Jarred-Michael Erickson, Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation said, “The Colville Tribes appreciates and supports the efforts of Rep. Dan Newhouse and others in Congress to keep attention focused on the problem of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. Despite receiving greater attention in recent years, the problem persists as Native women continue to suffer violence at rates much higher than the national average. The Colville Tribes supports the designation of a ‘National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ and continues to support a federal MMIW law enforcement presence specifically dedicated to serve the Pacific Northwest.” 

Teri Gobin, Chair, Tulalip Tribes said, “Every Native community in the nation has been touched by the epidemic of violence against Native people. Four out of five native women have experienced violence and more than half have been sexually assaulted by their intimate partners. Shining a light on the harm our people have experienced is a step towards fixing it. We urge our lawmakers to continue to fight for more resources for Tribes to create safe communities, including recognizing tribal court jurisdiction over cases that involve violence against our people. On May 5th, we will remember the lives taken too soon. We will drum and sing and cry together. We will pray and advocate. Together, we will build a future with no more stolen sisters” 

Lucy R. Simpson, Executive Director, The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center said, “The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls serves as a commitment to honor those we have lost, amplify the voices of survivors and families, and address this crisis of violence directly. The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) sincerely thanks Representatives Newhouse and Leger Fernandez for their ongoing efforts to end violence against Indigenous people. Together, we must continue to seek justice, healing, and meaningful change.”  

Shannon Holsey, President, NCAI Violence Against Women Task Force Co-Chair said, “May 5th is more than a day of remembrance—it is a call to action. The epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives is a direct result of systems that have failed to protect us for generations. To end this crisis, we must continue to fully implement the tribal provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and return authority to Tribal Nations to safeguard our people. We must act with urgency and unity to strengthen tribal jurisdiction and invest in Indigenous-led solutions. This starts with strengthening tribal sovereignty, restoring the rightful authority of Tribal Nations to protect our people, and honoring the sacredness of every life stolen. Every Native relative deserves to be safe, seen, and honored.” 

Full resolution text here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Congratulates Jon Wyss on Appointment as FSA State Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on Jon Wyss’ reappointment to serve as the State Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Washington State. 

“Congratulations to my good friend Jon Wyss on his appointment as State Director of the Farm Service Agency in Washington! Jon has a strong history as a leader in the agriculture industry. Washington farmers are lucky to have him charting the course at FSA.” 

Wyss was first appointed to serve as the State Executive Director of the FSA in Washington State in 2019 during the first Trump administration, and was re-appointed in 2022 during the Biden administration.  

Prior to his appointment, Wyss worked for his wife’s family company, Gebbers Farms, as an Analyst and Government Affairs Director. He also served as the Chief Deputy Assessor for Spokane County and temporarily served as a Washington State Senator for the 6th Legislative District.  

Wyss served as Vice President of USA Farmers, U.S. Apple Association North  
Region Director, Chairman of the Okanogan Long Term Recovery Group,  
President of Okanogan County Farm Bureau, Washington State Farm Bureau  
Board Member, and Chairman of the Coalition for Property Rights. 

He also served as an advisor to various legislative committees at the local, state, and national levels for over 18 years.  

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

May 06, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today released the following statement on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence report on the 2017 congressional baseball shooting:“As we approach the eight-year anniversary of the congressional baseball shooting, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has brought to light the FBI’s corruption and mismanagement of their investigation of the attack. This report spells out in detail a concerted campaign by the FBI to dismiss, downplay, and distort James T. Hodgkinson’s act of domestic terrorism on Republican lawmakers. At a time when trust in our institutions is at an all-time low, this report provides the public with the full account of what happened on June 14, 2017, at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park. While the Deep State tried to twist the realities of a tragedy to fit their own agenda, the House Intel Committee let the facts and evidence guide their investigation. As the report makes clear, Hodgkinson was a ‘radical, left-wing political extremist, seeking to affect the conduct of government by assassinating Republican congressmen.’I call on FBI Director Kash Patel to swiftly implement the committee’s recommendations in the report to hold accountable those officials who peddled falsehoods to the American people. Never again should the Bureau sacrifice its pursuit of justice on the altar of ulterior political agendas. And never should the American people be forced to question the motivations and honesty of those entrusted with the power of the law.”
Read the report here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), introduced the Federal Reserve Financial Accountability and Transparency Act to increase Congressional oversight of the Federal Reserve. This bill requires reporting on spending and staffing by activity, identification of top research areas, engagements with international banking organizations, and disclosure of costs for new regulations.

“For too long, burdensome regulations have been piled onto our financial institutions without considering the impacts,”  said Chairman Roger Williams.“It is time that Congress has increased oversight and transparency over the Federal Reserve’s operations and expenses. Our financial regulators should be focusing on the health and safety of the financial sector and promoting U.S. interests globally.”

The American Bankers Association is a supporting organization.

Read the bill text here.

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Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), announced the first, second, and third place winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. The winning entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one full year.

1st Place – “Texas Dreams” by McKenna Podlevsky from Cross Plains High School.

2nd Place – “Bird Hunter” by Josh Irons from Burleson High School.

3rd Place – “Freedom in Their Steps” by Lauren Spurlen from De Leon High School.

About the Congressional Art Competition:

Each spring, members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide high school art competition. The Artistic Discovery Contest aims to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the United States. High school students in Texas’ 25th Congressional District can participate in this competition through Congressman Williams’ office. This year’s theme was Texas or American patriotism.

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Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), released a statement following the House passage of the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act, by a vote of 409-2. This bill takes action to protect and empower victims of real and deepfake Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII).

“As technology advances, predators are using AI to create deceptive material and exploit victims,” said Congressman Williams.“This bipartisan bill will hold abusers accountable and empower victims of online abuse to have deepfake content or explicit material shared without their consent removed. I look forward to sending this crucial legislation to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.”

Background:

• This bill protects and empowers victims of real and deepfake Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII).
• Criminalizes the publication of NCII or the threat to publish NCII in interstate commerce.
• Protects good faith efforts to assist victims.
• Requires websites to take down NCII upon notice from the victim.
• Protects lawful speech.

Read the bill text here.

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Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

Washington, DC – U.S. Helsinki Co-Chairman Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), Helsinki Commission Ranking Member Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN), Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX) welcome the House passage of the bipartisan Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence (MEGOBARI) Act. This vital legislation will bolster democratic practices, human rights, and the rule of law in the Republic of Georgia, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to supporting Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and countering the influence of authoritarian regimes, particularly Russia.

     “The passage of the MEGOBARI Act demonstrates American support for the freedom-loving Georgian people and rejection of the illegitimate, America-hating Georgian Dream regime. This tyrannical mafia cabal is selling out Georgia to U.S. adversaries, banning the opposition and cracking down on freedom while making absurd demands of America. The Georgian Dream regime has regularly insulted President Trump and other cherished U.S. officials. The only way forward is free and fair elections and the release of all political prisoners,” said Congressman Wilson.

     “The passage of the MEGOBARI Act sends a strong message to the Georgian people that the U.S. supports them as they fight for their democracy. Corrupt Ivanishvili and his Georgian Nightmare party are cracking down and imprisoning protestors who demand free and fair elections as independent observers call the late October elections fundamentally flawed. The MEGOBARI Act provides help, mandating sanctions on Putin’s pawns and promising a deepened relationship should Georgian democracy and sovereignty be restored,” said Congressman Cohen. 

     “The MEGOBARI Act reinforces our nation’s support for the Georgian people and democratic efforts throughout the Caucasus,” said Congressman Hudson. “This bill is an important counter to Putin and his cronies as they attempt to reassert influence in the region.”

     “I am proud to vote for our bill, the MEGOBARI Act, as it is more crucial now than ever—a lifeline to ensure our allies in Georgia are not crushed by the Ivanishvili regime, as well as their authoritarian allies- Russian, Chinese, and Iranian, etc.  This act will continue to enable the Georgian people to be able to fight for democracy,” said Congressman Veasey. 

The MEGOBARI Act:

• Mandates a comprehensive sanctions review of all Georgian Dream officials. Those found to have engaged in corruption or undermining Georgian sovereignty will be sanctioned.
• Provides for a certification mechanism that mandates a deeper relationship between the United States and Georgia once Georgia’s democracy and sovereignty have been restored.
• Requires a full report of Russian and CCP intelligence assets in Georgia and Russian-CCP cooperation to undermine Georgian democracy and sovereignty.

     The Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence (MEGOBARI) Act is the premier U.S. initiative to counter the Ivanishvili Regime’s attempt to drag Georgia toward the Iranian regime, the Chinese Communist Party, and Russia. The bill is fully negotiated between House and Senate, Democrat and Republican leaders and is expected to move quickly. MEGOBARI means “friend” in Georgian.

     The October elections that led to a shocking victory for Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream party have been declared by international observers as fundamentally flawed. This illegitimate parliament installed an illegitimate puppet president. The legitimate President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, is leading and supporting mass protests calling for free and fair elections. 

     This bill ensures the United States stands strongly with the Georgian people in their decades-long drive for freedom and sovereignty.

     See the bill here.

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