MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement:

“In this current moment, there is a crucial opportunity to bring partners together to blunt the influence of Iran and other extremist groups like ISIS and bring stability to the region. I recently led a congressional delegation to the Middle East and saw firsthand that we have partners who are ready and willing to work with us and with Israel to achieve this goal. However, Israel’s current actions in Syria, Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon run the risk of making these efforts at stability in the region much more difficult to achieve.

“Israel is blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, enabling rapid settlement expansion and settler violence in the West Bank, and delegitimizing the new governments in Lebanon and Syria with military operations. I understand that Israel must defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas and other Iranian proxies, but these extremist groups thrive in chaos and are able to recruit and gain support where populations in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria and Lebanon continue to suffer in active war zones. The only long-term hope is for stable governments to emerge in these places.

“Israel must immediately allow humanitarian assistance back into Gaza. It should do far more to stop settler violence in the West Bank, and, crucially, it must work with Arab partners in the region to support Palestinian leadership that can be an alternative to Hamas and give all the Palestinian people some hope for the future. Additionally, Israel’s continued attacks on and occupations of land in Lebanon and Syria threaten to undermine the fragile, fledgling efforts of each to build new peaceful and stable governments.

“Bringing a coalition of partners together as a deterrence to Iran is the only way out of this cycle of regional conflict that has been devastating to the civilian population. Israel must immediately let humanitarian aid in, stop legitimizing settlements in the West Bank, and halt military actions that continue to contribute to the chaos in the region. Israel must change course or we risk losing this opportunity to achieve security and stability in the Middle East.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Lawmakers Warn Funding Cuts, Politically Motivated Attacks Will Undermine Integrity of Smithsonian, Accuracy of Exhibits

“Conditioning funding on adherence to prescribed, right-wing ideology jeopardizes the Smithsonian’s legal compliance oversight and its capacity to document American history and culture accurately,”

Text of Letter (PDF) | Pressley Floor Speech (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), Co-Chair of the Congressional Museum Caucus, led 69 of their colleagues on a letter to the Inspector General of the Smithsonian Institution demanding an investigation of the impact of Donald Trump’s harmful Executive Order attacking Smithsonian museums – namely, the American Art Museum, the American Women’s History Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture – attempting to erase histories of marginalized communities.

Earlier this year, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech slamming Trump’s attack on Smithsonian museums and affirming that Black history is American history.

Created by Congress in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has a clear mandate to operate as a non-partisan and autonomous museum, education, and research complex, free from political influence. Not only is it home to dozens of museums, libraries, education and research centers, and the National Zoo within Washington, D.C., but the Smithsonian also coordinates with over 200 affiliate organizations in nearly every state – all of which could be impacted by the proposed cuts and erasure of race and culture in the Executive Order.

 “On March 27, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14253, which would infringe on the independence of the Smithsonian Institution to carry out its core mission to provide Americans and the world with the tools and information we need to forge our shared future,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Smithsonian Inspector General Nicole Angarella. “The funding cuts and content directives will undoubtedly have a devasting impact on the preservation and integrity of American history and culture.”

The Trump Administration’s executive order specifically directs the Smithsonian Institution to remove exhibits and narratives it considers ‘divisive’ or ‘race-centered’, politicizing the Smithsonian’s foundational purpose and eroding public trust. Both the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act and the National Museum of the American Latino Act were enacted with strong bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment across party lines to explore, document, and interpret the central role of race and cultural identity in American history. Additionally, the funding cuts and content mandates would have a significant trickle-down effect on local museums and cultural organizations across the United States, diminishing the Smithsonian’s ability to provide guidance, professional development, and travel exhibits to smaller museums.

“Conditioning funding on adherence to prescribed, right-wing ideology jeopardizes the Smithsonian’s legal compliance oversight and its capacity to document American history and culture accurately,” the lawmakers continue. “It is both ironic and self-defeating to demand that the Smithsonian Institution adhere to content mandates banning race, as doing so undermines the very rationale for the creation of these museums.”

The lawmakers are requesting an inspector general investigation and report on findings including:

• An audit of the operational and financial implications of the proposed content mandate and funding cuts, including the consequences on the Smithsonian Affiliates;
• An audit of the expected impact on existing contractual obligations;
• An analysis of EO 14253’s compliance with statutory requirements established by Congress;
• Any documentation of deaccessioned artifacts following EO 14253 and plan to prevent the destruction or sale of cultural and historical artifacts; and
• A recommendation for the Smithsonian Board of Regents on how to adhere to statutory law and the institutions’ public trust responsibilities.

“Our shared responsibility is to ensure that the Smithsonian remains a source of inspiration and learning for all, free from undue political interference,” the lawmakers wrote.

The letter was also signed by Representatives Gabe Amo (RI-01), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Troy Carter (LA-02), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny Davis (IL-07), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), ValeriE Foushee (NC-04), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús García (IL-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Henry Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), William Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James McGovern (MA-02), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Norton (DC-AL), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Scott Peters (CA-50), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Janice Schakowsky (IL-09), Robert Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-08), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Derek Tran (CA-45), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).

A copy of the letter is available here.

Rep. Pressley has been an outspoken champion for intellectual freedom and diversity, equity, and inclusion program, and has been on the front lines of the fight against Trump and Republicans’ efforts to ban books and erase Black history.

In April, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech slamming Trump’s attack on Smithsonian museums and affirming that Black history is American history.

Rep. Pressley is also the author of the Books Save Lives Act legislation to confront the rise of book bans in America and ensure inclusive learning environments.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

President Trump’s Budget Puts America First

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Toledo, Ohio — This week, on Wednesday April 30, 2025, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), introduced a bipartisan resolution proclaiming May 9 through May 18, 2025, as “National American Birding Week.” Birding is a pastime that generates billions in economic benefits annually, but migratory bird populations face many threats to their survival. Annual birding events such as the “Biggest Week in American Birding”, sponsored by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory in Oak Harbor, Ohio, leverage government, nonprofit, and private resources to promote conservation of migratory bird populations and economic development through a multifaceted approach that combines research, education, and outreach. Coordinated efforts by Federal, State, and local governments, conservation organizations, and businesses help to promote conservation of migratory birds and economic development through birding.

“Our bipartisan resolution calls attention to the array of natural and human-caused threats to migratory bird populations, emphasizes contributions birders make to local economies, and applauds the cooperation among governments, conservation organizations, and businesses,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “I call on my fellow Ohioans to join Congressman Latta and me in supporting the designation of ‘National American Birding Week’ as we celebrate this important event that brings birders from around the world to Northwest Ohio every year. I encourage birders and people from across our nation to attend events including the ‘Biggest Week in American Birding’ to learn about efforts to preserve migratory bird populations.”

“Birdwatching in Ohio is a year-round activity, with a wide variety of birds and over 400 species to spot,” said Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05). “There is a reason Northwest Ohio is dubbed the ‘Warbler Capital of the World,’ and I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution with Congresswoman Kaptur, to continue recognizing the art of birdwatching, support local conservation and to encourage more people to get outside enjoy birdwatching during National American Birding Week.”

Approximately 3,500,000,000 songbirds, raptors, shore birds, and waterfowl representing over 350 species migrate north through the United States to breeding grounds every spring from wintering grounds in the southern United States, Mexico, and the tropics. Populations of many migratory bird species are in decline due to habitat loss, predation, and collisions with buildings, utility infrastructure, and vehicles. An estimated 45,000,000 American birders spend close to $40 Billion annually on birdwatching and birding activities creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in employment income and Federal and State tax revenue.

A full copy of the resolution declaring “National American Birding Week” can be found by clicking here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) that would undo harmful rules created under the Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency.

These three Congressional Review Act resolutions would reverse radical regulations that established a de facto ban on the use of gas-powered vehicles, heavy trucks, and diesel engines over the next decade. 

The legislation passed Thursday is H.J. Res. 88, introduced by Congressman Joyce (PA-13), which would reverse the EPA’s decision to approve a waiver granted to California allowing the State to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

“Pennsylvania drivers shouldn’t be subjected to California laws, plain and simple. This series of legislation rejects radical EV mandates and ensures drivers across the United States will be able to choose the vehicle that’s best for them, whether it’s gas-powered, electric, or a hybrid model,” Rep. Kelly said. 

On Wednesday, the House passed the following resolutions:

• H.J. Res. 89, introduced by Congressman Obernolte (CA-23), would put an end to the EPA’s decision to allow California to implement its most recent nitrogen oxide (NOx) engine emission standards, which create burdensome and unworkable standards for heavy-duty on-road engines.

  H.J. Res. 87, introduced by Congressman James (MI-10), would reverse the EPA’s decision to approve a waiver granted to California allowing the State to mandate the sale of zero-emission trucks.

BACKGROUND

Making these changes at a time when the United States is unprepared for a full transition to electric vehicles would have massive consequences for American communities. With states making up more than 40% of the auto market following California’s emissions standards, implementing Californias EV mandate would result in a nationwide shift in the vehicles that are available for purchase, and in fact could lead to a shortage of the vehicles consumers need. 

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

Headline: Newhouse Leads Effort to Preserve Investments in Nuclear Energy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led his colleagues in a letter to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) advocating for the preservation of critical tax credits for nuclear energy development.  

“The United States is facing unprecedented demand for energy, and empowering nuclear development is critical in becoming truly energy dominant,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The federal investment we have seen so far is already delivering results by unlocking billions of dollars in private investments and putting the United States on track to be the global leader of reliable, affordable nuclear energy. Preserving these investments unleashes American energy and charts a course for production capabilities unlike anything we have ever seen.”  

The letter, advocating for the preservation of Sections 45U, 45Y, and 48E of the Internal Revenue Code, was signed by 25 Members of Congress.  

Read the full letter here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Representative John James (MI-10) introduced the App Store Accountability Act, a landmark bill designed to increase safeguards within app stores to empower parents and protect children. Congressman Gus Bilirakis, who is Chairman of the Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over this important content area has joined James as an original co-sponsor of this legislation. The bill ensures that children are not accessing age restricted material through online app stores and provides parents with more control over what their children can access. A national poll commissioned by Digital Childhood Alliance found that 88% of parents want app stores to require parental approval before minors can download a new app.  Just as how brick-and-mortar stores are held responsible for selling age-restricted materials like tobacco or alcohol to minors, the App Store Accountability Act will hold digital app stores accountable for providing adult or age restricted material to minors. 

“Requiring parental consent before kids can download apps is a commonsense measure that ensures parents have the ability to stay informed and engaged in their children’s digital lives, helping to prevent exposure to harmful apps and privacy risks,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.  “By equipping parents with effective, easy-to-use tools and resources, we empower them to better protect their children while fostering open communication and digital literacy within families.”

Rep. James issued the following statement regarding his legislation:“Kids cannot consent — and any company that exposes them to addictive or adult material should be held accountable. The App Store Accountability Act holds Big Tech companies to the same standard as local corner stores. It safeguards the next generation by empowering parents and ensures that when it comes to protecting children, no one is above the law.” 

Specifically, the App Store Accountability Act would:

• Require age verification for access to App Store ID.
• Require parental consent for users under 18 using App stores.
• Link devices of minors on app stores to parents/guardians.
• Establish enforcement mechanisms for violations of this act.

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is leading an identical companion bill in the Senate.  “For too long, Big Tech has profited from app stores through which children in America and across the world access violent and sexual material while risking contact from online predators,” said Senator Lee. “Our legislation brings age verification and accountability to the source of the problem.”  

“App stores are the digital gatekeepers of our children’s lives. They control what gets through, but until now, they’ve had zero accountability. This bill fixes that.”– Casey Stefanski, Executive Director, Digital Childhood Alliance

“The App Store Accountability Act is a commonsense solution to an acute problem created by tech companies. The fact is that contracts signed by minors are unenforceable, but the app stores, including Apple’s and Google’s, make all users – including children – sign a user agreement entitling the companies to collect data and limiting their liability. We wouldn’t accept this from a bank. We wouldn’t accept this from a car dealership. Why are we accepting this on an iPhone?” – Joel Thayer, President of the Digital Progress Institute

“App stores open the door to exploit vulnerabilities in kids. Protecting our children online begins with age verification and parental consent. This bill can end exploitation before it starts!” –Russ Tuttle, Founder & President The Stop Trafficking Project

“App stores treat children like virtual adults—promoting adult-oriented platforms and allowing minors to accept terms and download any app without parental oversight. Parents, not tech companies, should have the final say over their child’s app usage. This bill restores parents’ digital sovereignty, empowers them to make informed choices, and reestablishes appropriate digital boundaries for children.”—Annie Chestnut Tutor, The Heritage Foundation

“Protecting our children from predatory online business practices should be automatic. And those who don’t honor this common-sense principle must be held accountable. Requiring age verification, parental consent, and enhanced transparency in today’s powerful App Stores is a lifeline parents have been waiting for.”—Chris McKenna, Founder & CEO Protect Young Eyes