MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Rob Menendez (D-NJ), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) introduced the Improving Helicopter Safety Act, which bans all non-essential helicopter traffic within a 20-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty. The bill comes in the wake of the tragic crash of an air tourism helicopter into the Hudson River on April 10, which claimed the lives of six people.  

“The tragic helicopter crash last month on the Hudson River was not an isolated incident; it was the latest in a long line of preventable tragedies in the New York metropolitan region’s increasingly crowded and poorly regulated airspace,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. “For far too long, non-essential helicopter flights have endangered public safety and shattered the peace of our neighborhoods. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Improving Helicopter Safety Act with my colleagues, Rob Menendez and Nicole Malliotakis, to finally put an end to these dangerous flights in our region. We owe it to the victims, and to every resident living beneath these flight paths, to put safety first and prevent future disasters.” 

“While we have consistently worked to address the impact of non-essential helicopters on our communities, last month’s tragic crash should be a clarion call for every level of government to take action on helicopter safety,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “Rising congestion of non-essential helicopters, coupled with concerning safety records of air tourism operators, are causing a direct threat to public safety. Along with my colleagues from New Jersey and New York, we’re doing what is necessary to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.”  

“The tragic crash that claimed six lives in the Hudson River isn’t an isolated event, it’s the clearest sign yet of an industry that has operated without meaningful oversight for far too long and continues to pose an unacceptable public safety threat,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “Congress must take action, which is why I’m joining my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ban non-essential helicopter traffic within a 20-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty and finally rein in these helicopter tour companies.” 

The crash on April 10 is part of a well-documented and escalating pattern of helicopter-related incidents in the New York Metropolitan Area. Since 1983, there have been at least 30 helicopter crashes in the region, resulting in at least 31 fatalities. In addition to furthering ongoing frustration over air traffic congestion in the region, this year’s crash also shed new light on serious concerns about regulatory oversight and operational standards for non-essential helicopter operations. 

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Grace Meng, Nydia Velázquez, and LaMonica McIver.  

It is also supported by the grassroots advocacy organization Stop The Chop NY/NJ: “Stop the Chop NY/NJ commends Representatives Jerry Nadler, Rob Menendez, and Nicole Malliotakis for today’s introduction of the ‘Improving Helicopter Safety Act of 2025’ – common sense federal legislation that will, when passed, finally put an end to the dangerous helicopter conditions in the New York metropolitan area. For too long, tax-paying New Yorkers and Jerseyites have been subjected to excessive noise and air pollution, as well as the safety risks, of endless sightseeing and commuter helicopters flying, often at extremely low altitudes, over our homes, parks, and schools. We have sounded the alarm each time one of these nonessential helicopters has crashed while traversing our densely populated urban areas. However, the FAA has still not addressed the community’s concerns, harms, and pleas for relief. The multiple recent fatal crashes involving helicopters, coupled with the alarming shortage of air traffic controllers, demonstrate the need for immediate reform of the current Wild West-like conditions over NYC and surrounding communities. We also thank the additional Congressional co-sponsors: Representatives Grace Meng, Nydia Velázquez, and LaMonica McIver. This non-partisan issue negatively impacts all who live or work near the NYC and NJ heliports and/or along the helicopter flight paths. It is heartening to see our elected officials joining forces across state lines and party affiliations to end this public harm.” 

For full bill text, click here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Shontel Brown (OH-11) and Maxwell Frost (FL-10) led 43 of their Democratic colleagues in a letter to President Donald Trump demanding he continue funding for community violence intervention (CVI) programs.

Last week, the Department of Justice terminated $811 million in grants, which included over $66 million under the Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI). This funding was designated by Congress through appropriations and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

“Communities across the United States, both rural and urban alike, have long grappled with persistent violence,” members wrote in the letter. “Recognizing this dire situation and understanding the critical role that community-based violence intervention and prevention programs play in combating the community violence epidemic plaguing American communities, there is an urgent need to continue to support programs such as CVIPI to ensure that violence reduction continues.

“Although these proven strategies have been researched, cited in academic literature, and supported by law enforcement, they remain chronically underfunded at every level of government, prolonging the daily loss of life and rising violence,” members continued. “Therefore, to continue strengthening our public health and safety infrastructure to combat community violence and senseless deaths, we urge you to continue the disbursement of CVIPI grants immediately. Reinstating this funding would reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to addressing community violence through a comprehensive and coordinated approach, ensuring the safety and well-being of all Americans.”

As members noted in the letter, the cancellation of grants did not happen in isolation. It is only the latest action taken by the Trump administration to hurt public safety measures.

Read the full letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Larsen to Host Town Hall in Skagit County on Monday, May 12th at 6:00 p.m.

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

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement after Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky announced she would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

A proud daughter of Illinois, Rep. Jan Schakowsky has spent her entire career standing up for the people of Chicagoland as a consumer advocate, a state legislator and a Congresswoman. Throughout her historic tenure in the People’s House, she has been a principled, progressive leader and has fiercely fought for the least, the lost and the left behind.

For over two decades, Jan has served on the prestigious House Committee on Energy and Commerce and was a leading voice in the development of the historic Affordable Care Act. A champion for the nation’s seniors, Rep. Schakowsky has fought relentlessly to prevent the privatization of Social Security and Medicare and to make prescription drugs more affordable for hardworking American taxpayers. As Chair and Ranking Member of the Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee, Jan has been a steadfast advocate for consumer safety and transparency.

As a Caucus Chief Deputy Whip, a member of the Steering and Policy Committee and a Vice Chair of the Progressive Caucus, Jan has been a mentor, a friend and a source of encouragement to myself and so many others. The House Democratic Caucus family will miss Jan tremendously next Congress and I wish her and her family the best in this next chapter.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

May 05, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, in honor of Migratory Bird Day on May 10th, U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced two bills to strengthen conservation efforts for protected species of birds across the country. These bills – the Migratory Bird Protection Act and the Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act – will give the United States the tools to build upon existing efforts to protect migratory birds and the most threatened species of seabirds.

“As the world faces an escalating biodiversity crisis, now is a critical moment to establish strong, clear, and lasting protections for migratory bird species,” said Rep. Huffman. “By codifying the ACAP agreement, the United States can reaffirm its leadership in conservation and encourage other nations to implement robust standards to protect endangered seabirds around the globe. By formalizing the process and providing more tools, our bills will strengthen longstanding protections and help commercial and business interests comply – marking a big step forward in conservation efforts both at home and across the globe.”

“Bucks and Montgomery Counties are home to some of the most ecologically rich bird habitats in America, supporting hundreds of diverse and migratory species,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “But many of these birds are now facing extinction-level threats. As Co-Chair the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m committed to advancing concrete, science-based solutions to protect these vulnerable species, strengthen habitat conservation, and ensure long-term ecological resilience. This bipartisan legislation is a critical step toward that mission.”

The Migratory Bird Protection Act will safeguard and strengthen longstanding protections for millions of North America’s migratory birds by providing clarity on how the United States implements the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This legislation directs the Department of Interior to provide regulatory certainty on “incidental take” – killing or injuring birds by otherwise legal activities – by commercial activity. The bill will help ensure the United States meets the conservation goals of the MBTA, which has formed the backbone of our nation’s migratory bird conservation efforts for over 100 years.

The Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act will help implement the International Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) – which protects some of the world’s most endangered seabirds from international fishing threats. Every year, thousands of albatrosses and petrels die from encountering longline fishing equipment during their migration to nest and find food. Although the United States has attended and contributed to ACAP meetings regularly since the Agreement’s signing in 2001, it has not yet joined the 13 member countries that have signed as parties.

Today’s bills will build upon existing efforts to protect migratory bird species by codifying and clarifying crucial conservation standards.

“Together the Migratory Bird Protection Act and the Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act strengthen bird conservation,” said Steve Holmer, Vice President of Policy at American Bird Conservancy. “By respectively encouraging industries to adopt best mitigation practices and advancing international collaboration these bills prevent bird mortality. Thank you to Representatives Huffman and Fitzpatrick for their steadfast leadership.”

“The Migratory Bird Protection Act and the Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act are critical steps for reversing the alarming decline in bird populations, which has seen the loss of over 3 billion birds since 1970. These bills will enhance vital protections and foster international cooperation to help ensure the survival of migratory birds and seabird species. Thank you, Representatives Huffman (D-CA) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA), for introducing these important bills that will help preserve America’s birds for current and future generations,” said Jesse Walls, Senior Director of Government Affairs at National Audubon Society.

“Bird watching in America is more popular than ever, and yet our backyards and skies are graced with a decreasing number of our feathered friends,” said Steve Blackledge, Senior Director of Conservation Campaigns at Environment America. “We’re grateful to Representatives Jared Huffman and Brian Fitzpatrick for their bipartisan bill, which will protect long-distance flyers and make sure the Migratory Bird Treaty Act is enforced.”

“Now more than ever, Congressional action is needed to conserve our country’s migratory birds,” said Ed Arnett, CEO of The Wildlife Society. “Thanks to the leadership of Representative Huffman, the Migratory Bird Protection Act will implement a streamlined permitting approach that provides greater certainty for project stakeholders as well as long-term benefits for migratory bird species. Given that more than three billion birds have been lost in the past half century, we encourage Congress to swiftly pass this commonsense bill.”

“Defenders of Wildlife applauds Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) for introducing this critical bill at a time when North American birds are increasingly under threat,” said Robert Dewey, Vice President of Government Relations at Defenders of Wildlife. “Migratory birds, ranging from greater flamingos and American white pelicans to red-winged blackbirds and bald eagles, represent some of our most iconic species, but damage from industrial waste, overdevelopment and climate change has led to an estimated loss of 2.9 billion North American birds since 1970. This bill counters the ongoing and politically motivated attacks on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by ensuring that migratory birds unintentionally killed or harmed by industrialization, development and other human activities are protected under the Act. We urge all those in Congress to support what has historically been a bipartisan endeavor to protect North American birds.”

“With three-quarters of North America’s birds in decline it’s now more important than ever to step up and provide strong protections for them. It’s crucial for the federal government to adhere to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and I encourage Congress to pass this commonsense legislation and give birds a fighting chance at survival,” said Tara Zuardo, Senior Campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity.

“America’s bird populations are under unprecedented threat from a variety of hazards,” said Abby Tinsley, Vice President for Conservation Policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “The bipartisan Migratory Bird Protection Act would help address these challenges by clarifying protections passed more than a century ago while encouraging measures that will limit unnecessary deaths. Congress should act swiftly to pass this commonsense bill.”

The Migratory Bird Protection Act is endorsed by Defenders of Wildlife, Audubon, Center for Biological Diversity, American Bird Conservancy, The Wildlife Society, The National Wildlife Federation, National Resource Defense Council, and Environment America.

The Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act is endorsed by Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy.

Migratory Bird Protection Act:

• Text of the bill can be found here.

• A one-pager of the bill can be found here.

Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act:

• Text of the bill can be found here.

• A one-pager of the bill can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Janesville, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced Joshua Utley as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Wisconsin’s First Congressional District.

WINNER: Cow in the Way by Joshua Utley

Joshua Utley and his graphite piece, Cow in the Way, is the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Joshua is a Junior at the Prairie School in Racine, where he is taught by Ms. Vicki Schmitz.

“Congratulations, Joshua, on winning the 2025 Congressional Art Competition! Each year, I’m impressed by the talent and creativity of students throughout the First Congressional District. Cow in the Way reflects the talent of Wisconsin’s next generation and the impact our art teachers have on students across our state,” said Steil. “I look forward to seeing your piece hang in the U.S. Capitol.”

NOTE: The Congressional Art Competition is an annual competition open to high school students from across the United States. Each Congressional office selects one winner to display in the tunnel connecting the Cannon House Office Building to the U.S. Capitol traveled daily by members of Congress, staff, and visitors to Washington, D.C.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

Stefanik Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON  – On Saturday, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) hosted his congressional district’s eleventh-annual reception for the Congressional Art Competition at the Otis College of Art and Design. Students from 19 different high schools submitted 185 pieces of art for this year’s competition. These submissions included 45 photographs, 65 paintings, 38 drawings, 19 mixed-media pieces, and 18 other pieces that included computer-generated art. The winner, Alyssa Kim from Palisades Charter High School, submitted a piece called “Your Honor, Bananas!”

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students who either reside in or attend school in California’s 36^th District. The first-place winner’s art will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol along with winners from Congressional districts across the country. The winner will receive a trip to Washington D.C. in June to be recognized at an awards ceremony. The second and third place winners will have their art displayed for one year in the Congressman’s D.C. and District offices.  First, second, and third place winners, as well as honorable mentions, received scholarships. All student participants received certificates and a swag bag.

“I am grateful to get to represent such a talented and creative district,” Rep. Lieu said. “Our annual Art Competition is a fantastic showcase of just how talented our students are in the 36^th District. There were so many fantastic pieces submitted that are a testament to the skill and unique point of view of the young people in our community. I want to congratulate all the winners and honorable mention recipients, and I look forward to seeing the artwork of our winner, Alyssa, hanging in the Capitol.”

Below are the results of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition: 

Overall Winners:

• 1st Place: Alyssa Kim, “Your Honor, Bananas!” | Grade 10, Palisades Charter High School
• 2nd Place: Daniel Arredondo, “Home is Here” | Grade 12, Redondo Union High School
• 3rd Place: Axel Bolanos Garcia, “After the Fires” | Grade 11, Palos Verdes High School

Honorable Mentions:

• Photography: Zoe Peyton Carlson, “Urban Flight” | Grade 9, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School
• Painting: Audrey Cox, “Bloom” | Grade 11, Rolling Hills Preparatory School
• Drawing: Azul Ramirez, “Need, Want, Reality” | Grade 12, New West Charter High School
• Mixed Media: Rowena Lee, “Strings of Reminiscence” | Grade 11, Chadwick School
• Other: Victoria Higareda, “Where did you go?” | Grade 11, Da Vinci Design
• Member’s Choice: Sooyoon Jeong, “Clothing the Rift” | Grade 10, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) and Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-8) introduced the Critical Minerals and Manufacturing Support Act, a bill aimed at strengthening the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit to spur domestic production of critical clean energy technologies, create good-paying jobs, and enhance U.S. energy security.

“As we work to build a resilient, clean energy future, expanding the 45X credit—a tax incentive to boost domestic production of critical clean energy components—is a critical step in ensuring the United States leads in renewable energy innovation and manufacturing,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) “This bill will drive investments into domestic production, strengthen our energy independence, and create thousands of jobs—particularly in regions like Lithium Valley in California, where we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead in the global lithium supply chain. For our district, this means good-paying jobs, new economic opportunities, and long-term investments that will uplift local communities.”

“By modernizing the 45X credit, we are not just investing in clean energy; we are investing in American workers, national security, and economic prosperity,” Congressman Ruiz added. “For families in our district, this translates to economic growth, workforce development, and a stronger, more resilient local economy. This legislation builds on our commitment to a clean, sustainable future that lifts up communities, improves quality of life, and secures our leadership in the global energy economy.”

The legislation follows a series of executive actions by President Donald Trump aimed at reducing the United States’ dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals and rare earth elements.

“CO-08 is already home to several innovative battery manufacturers that are leading the way in onshoring supply chains. As a strong supporter of American-made products representing these manufacturers, I am proud to help introduce this legislation to expand the 45X tax credit and improve incentives for battery manufacturing domestic supply chains. In doing so, we will encourage critical clean energy technologies, create good-paying jobs, and enhance U.S. energy security – all things that will help Coloradans.” –Congressman Gabe Evans

“Battery technology is omnipresent in a variety of applications – including for national defense – and our dependence on the Chinese for critical materials raises vulnerabilities for our combat readiness and economic security,” said Sam Gillard, BATT Executive Director. “This bipartisan legislation will go a long way to creating the resilient supply chain for battery materials in the U.S. necessary to allow us to decouple this critical market from Chinese market manipulation.”

“This is one of the most promising ways to further reduce our reliance on foreign entities of concern and expand the incentives to invest in a sustainable domestic market across the battery supply chain,” said Drew Ronneberg, BATT Policy Director. “Congress should seize upon this sensible approach to ensure America leads rather than follows.”

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Congressman Ruiz for his unwavering commitment and dedicated efforts to advancing a robust domestic critical minerals supply chain, both in California and across the nation,” said Carmen Rene, Chief Financial Officer of EnergySource Minerals. “This legislation provides essential security and incentives for projects like ours, which are at the forefront of securing a sustainable and abundant supply of American lithium and other critical minerals vital to strengthening our energy infrastructure and national security.”

“Imperial County is proud to be at the forefront of Lithium Valley, contributing to a more secure and self-reliant American energy future. The BATT SEC Act promotes exactly the kind of private-sector investment we’re working to bring to our region – investment that creates good-paying jobs, strengthens our domestic supply chains, and reduces our reliance on adversarial nations for critical minerals. By encouraging responsible resource development here at home, this bill helps position Imperial County as a hub for next generation energy innovation,” said Supervisor John Hawk, Chair of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors.

Background on the Critical Minerals and Manufacturing Support Act

The Critical Minerals and Manufacturing Support Act would:

1. Extend and expand the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit to provide long-term certainty for U.S. clean energy manufacturers.
2. Increase incentives for domestic production of critical minerals, battery components, and renewable energy technologies.
3. Prioritize job creation and workforce development
4. Boost American competitiveness by reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and accelerating clean energy manufacturing growth.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

BROWNSVILLE, TX – On Friday May 2, 2025, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Sophia C. Acevedo-Gomez, a 12th grade student at Veterans Memorial Early College High School in Brownsville, Texas, was the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Acevedo-Gomez’s winning piece, “Unspoken Empathy” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside the other winners from across the country.  

Since 1982, over 650,000 high school students have entered for a chance to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Each year, the competition has allowed students from the 34th Congressional District of Texas to showcase their talents and creativity through their works of art. This year, the Congressman’s office received 94 total submissions.

Art Competition winners will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception honoring winners from each congressional district.  In addition, she will be eligible to receive a $3,000 art scholarship to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), should they apply and be accepted for enrollment.   

“I am honored to recognize Sophia for this extraordinary work of art,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Sophia’s ability to depict compassion and empathy through such a piece is admirable. Congratulations to her and our other winners! We must continue to support our young South Texans and their pursuit of their passions for the arts. I am excited to welcome Sophia and her artwork to Washington, D.C.” 

For information regarding future art competitions, deadlines, rules, and eligibility, please visit gonzalez.house.gov or contact Congressman Gonzalez’s District Offices at 956-682-5545.  Press can view more photos of the event using this link.

Full list of winners below:

1st Place 
Unspoken Empathy 
Sophia C. Acevedo (12th grade) 
Veterans Memorial Early College High School 

2nd Place 
State Bound 
Mailyn Matoviche (12th grade) 
Lopez Early College High School 

3rd Place 
I am Made from the Fragility of Opal 
Itzel Martinez (11th grade) 
Rivera Early College High School 

4th Place 
Ojitos Lindos 
Adrian Garcia (11th grade) 
Edinburg High School 

5th Place 
She Leads the Way 
Sofia Marie Trevino (10th grade) 
Homeschool 

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