MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered remarks in support of an amendment by Congressman Jim Clyburn (SC-06) to restore funding for housing assistance programs for the most vulnerable Americans, including people with disabilities, at the House Appropriations Full Committee Markup of the FY26 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) and Energy and Water Bills. Below is a video and transcript of his remarks:

Click here for a full video of his remarks.

“I strongly support this amendment. As everybody knows, I think, that Mr. Womack is one of the most responsible and highest integrity members of this committee, and he is doing what he needs to do, given the constraints that confront him. But I strongly support this amendment, from Representative Clyburn and others to reverse this bill’s cut to fair housing programs and other vital government services.
 
“Life’s a series of tradeoffs, and if you cut your incoming revenue by $5 trillion, you got to find that somewhere because that’s an expenditure and we are finding it by looking to cutting programs for the most vulnerable in America. When I helped pass the Americans with Disabilities Act back in 1990 – which was voted upon by the House, 403 to 20, one of the most bipartisan votes we’ve had on any substantial issue that I remember, and the Senate passed it 91 to 6 – my colleagues and I focused a lot on housing discrimination because we knew it was one of the most significant obstacles the disability community face to living with greater dignity, independence, and equality.

“On July 26th of this month, it will be 35 years since that act was signed. Housing continues to be a major problem for those with disabilities. Housing discrimination remains a problem today generally, considering that less than 5% of America’s housing is accessible. Think of that: less than 5% of housing today is accessible to those with disabilities. Predictably, that’s why 53% of all housing discrimination complaints were filed by people with disabilities.
 
“This bill would make it even harder for these Americans to find a home by cutting the local fair housing activities by 67%. That includes severe reductions to the Fair Housing Initiative program, which funds nonprofits across the country that together process 75% of all fair housing complaints nationwide. The program dates back to the Reagan Administration. We shouldn’t be politicizing it, and we certainly shouldn’t be cutting it. This amendment will reverse this cut, ensuring that the voices of Americans with disabilities and others who face discrimination in housing won’t be ignored, won’t be silent, won’t be heard. I ask my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today regarding the passing of his District Director, Terrance Taylor:

“This morning, my dear friend, District Director, and trusted advisor, Terrance Taylor, passed away from sudden health complications. His loss is incalculable for his family, as well as for me and my team and the community he served so passionately and effectively. My prayers are with Terrance’s wife Candace, his son Simon, and his extended family. I grieve with them, as do so many others across our district, state, and country.

“Terrance was taken from us far too early, but he accomplished so much in the time he had. As a member of my district staff for more than two decades, Terrance was the human face of the federal government for so many in Maryland’s Fifth District. Whether it was seniors struggling to sort out a problem with their social security check, Veterans trying to access their benefits, or Marylanders working to rebuild a washed-out road, Terrance was the person folks turned to when they didn’t know who else to reach out to for help and support. The person on the other end of the line was patient, thoughtful, and deeply connected to communities across Maryland’s Fifth District.

“My team and I loved Terrance for his warmth and humor. We admired him for his intellect and leadership. We respected him for his character and commitment to service. And we will remember him for who he was: a great husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and man. May God bless and keep Terrance Taylor.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Introduces Resolution Demanding Full Public Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) introduced a House resolution calling on the Department of Justice, FBI, and other relevant federal agencies to release all unclassified records, flight logs, and investigative materials related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. The resolution also affirms Congress’s constitutional authority to investigate and oversee matters of public interest and institutional accountability. 

“After years of promises and assurances from President Donald Trump and his administration on the release of the records related to Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged child trafficking operation and business interests, the American people are still being denied the full truth,” said Congressman Veasey. “One of two things is true: either Trump and his acolytes fueled the rumors of the significance of these files contain more serious information that they are actively hiding. We owe it to the victims—and to the credibility of our justice system—to bring every fact into the light.”

The resolution cites numerous public statements made between 2024 and 2025 by Trump-aligned officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and President Trump himself—all of whom affirmed their intent to release the Epstein files or pursue criminal accountability. Last week, the Department of Justice announced it would not open an investigation into “uncharged third parties” and that “no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted” despite the conviction of close Epstein ally, Ghislaine Maxwell.

The resolution summarizes Epstein’s 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges, his death in federal custody, and the subsequent arrest and conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell. It notes the continued public interest in revealing the full extent of Epstein’s client network and questions the government’s prolonged failure to release flight logs, visitor records, sealed depositions, and investigative files.

Among its key provisions, the resolution:

●    Affirms Congress’s Article I investigatory powers;
●    Demands the release of all unclassified Epstein-related records;
●    Calls for public hearings into why these documents have remained suppressed;
●    Urges redaction only where necessary to protect minor victims or ongoing prosecutions.

The full text of the resolution can be found here: 

Co-sponsors: 

Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06), Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Brendan Boyle (PA-2), , Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA- 37), Rep. Troy Carter (LA-2), Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35),  Rep. Sarah Elfreth (MD-3),  Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-7), Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-5), Rep. Gabe Amo (RI-1), Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-1), Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4), Rep. Johnny Olszewski (MD-2), Rep. Herb Conway (NJ-3), Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-4), Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Val Hoyle (OR-4),  Rep. Al Green (TX-9), Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-7), Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10), Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32), Rep. Greg Landsman (OH-1), Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-4), Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36), Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-2), Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) went to the House floor this evening after learning that Republican House leaders have decided that Congress will adjourn early on Wednesday for a five-week August recess, and made the following remarks:

“We’re going to adjourn and not do the peoples’ business because we’ve thus far gotten an F. An F for the work of the people in this Congress. We’ve taken health care away from hundreds of thousands of people. We’ve taken SNAP payments, nutritional sustenance, away from tens and hundreds of thousands of people. We’ve made injuries to the Earth, God’s Earth we’re here to preserve and we only use. We’ve taken away from women the right to go to Planned Parenthood to have health care that they need…We’ve taken away protections for clean energy to change the rate of growth of global warming that affects our planet and affects our future with hotter and hotter summers, flash floods, fires, disasters. This Congress has earned an F.”

See his entire floor speech here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today introduced the Independent Acting Inspectors Generals Act aimed at insulating both permanent and acting inspectors general – appointed to investigate waste, fraud and abuse in their agencies and departments – from political interference.

President Donald Trump fired inspectors general as one of his first acts in office. Federal inspectors general were created in 1978 to establish independent oversight of federal agencies.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement: 

“With this Administration’s staggering abuses and evident corruption, inspectors general are more important than ever. Donald Trump’s attack on the IG system reveals his true intentions.  He isn’t interested in rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse – what independent IGs are charged with doing.  Rather, he wants to remove the independent IGs so he and his cronies can corrupt the agencies for their own purposes.  Tru0ly independent IGs would shed light on those designs and potentially prevent corruption.”

The Independent Acting Inspectors General Act would automatically make the Deputy IG the acting IG if the position is vacant.  If both positions are vacant, the courts, rather than the President, will, with recommendations from the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, appoint the acting IG.  The President will no longer be able to fire “the cops on the beat” and replace them with his cronies.  Even if the position becomes vacant again, the appointment stays with the judiciary until a permanent IG, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, is sworn in. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that Porter-Leath Inc. will receive funding of $35,521,952 to operate Head Start programs in the 9^th Congressional District. The funding is from the Administration for Children and Families – Office of Head Start.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“I’m pleased that Porter-Leath will be receiving this Head Start funding to help ensure children in our community will be ready for the classroom and a challenging future. Head Start provides essential preparation and needed skills for children so that they are academically and socially ready to succeed in school and in an increasingly complex world. This funding is an investment in our community, its children, and our future.” 

Porter-Leath has served the Memphis community for more than 160 years, offering resources to at-risk children and their families.

The Administration of Children and Families partners with local providers to address and respond to the needs of vulnerable families, while the Office of Head Start allocates grant funding to nonprofit and for-profit agencies that offer Head Start services. Both organizations emphasize inclusive and holistic early development programs to better communities across the United States.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will vote against a damaging bill rescinding nearly $8 billion in federal funding for a host of life-saving foreign aid programs and that will slash $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting that supports NPR and PBS.

The vote is expected late tonight.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“This rescission bill is a disaster and will result in death while also diminishing the proud cultural heritage of PBS and NPR. The cuts to foreign aid programs will result in more malaria, Ebola and other dread diseases and a reduction in immunizations while suspending support for democracy-building projects, and immigration and refugee assistance programs. These programs are part of the United States’ soft power that prevents wars.

“I have long been an avid watcher of Ben Burns documentaries on PBS, important American stories about civil rights, baseball, and the Civil War, much of it told by Memphis historian the late Shelby Foote, and so many more. The PBS NewsHour is a trusted source of reliable, accurate information provided over the years by the likes of Robert McNeill, Jim Lehrer, Judy Woodruff, Gwen Ifill, and the current team of Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett. PBS children’s programing, like Sesame Street with Big Bird and Elmo and “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” has taught generations of youngsters to read, count and be nice to each other. In Memphis, WKNO radio and television provide local coverage as well as national and international news.

“These funding rescissions can’t be justified, so I will vote against them and continue to condemn the mentality that inspired them.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today applauded the approval of $18,827,487 for 15 projects for which he sought funding through the annual appropriations process. The funding was approved after markups of bills in the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD) and Commerce Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) subcommittees this week, and in the Homeland Security subcommittee in June.

Among the projects approved by the THUD Subcommittee is $3,150,000 for the restoration of the 130-year-old Clayborn Temple where organizers of the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers strike met. The historic structure burned down in April.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Memphis and the 9^th District are doing particularly well in this year’s appropriations process. I am pleased to see my requests for the restoration of historic buildings approved and the investments in police and public safety will help protect our community. This is early in the process and these projects must still pass on the House floor and in the Senate before being signed into law, but I am encouraged with the progress so far.”

Other THUD projects approved by the subcommittee include:

1. Historic Mason Temple Restoration Project — $1,200,000. The funding would be used for the restoration, rehabilitation, and technology system upgrade to the historic site.
2. Historic Sterick Renovation and Restoration Project — $1,200,000. The funding would be used to restore the historic Sterick building, which was one the tallest buildings in the South before being abandoned and becoming one of Memphis’ largest blighted structure.
3. Covenant Gardens Senior Apartments — $1,000,000. The funding would be used to build 103 units of affordable housing for lower-income seniors.
4. Monroe Plaza and extended pedestrian infrastructure improvements — $850,000. The funding would be used to convert an underutilized street into a new downtown plaza.
5. Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades at Montgomery Plaza — $850,000. The funding for the Memphis Housing Authority will be used to upgrade the existing electrical infrastructure.
6. University of Memphis Park Avenue Campus Upgrades – $850,000. Funds would be used to replace the water and sewer lines, repave and restripe for long term use and pedestrian and vehicle safety on the Park Avenue Campus.
7. Memphis Community Engagement Youth Facility Renovation and Vulnerable Family Housing Project – $850,000. Funds will be used to renovate community facilities serving at-risk youth and provide additional housing for vulnerable families experiencing homelessness.  The city will work in collaboration with The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis and Hospitality Hub.
8. Memphis Homeless Veterans Homes Renovation Project — $250,000. The funding will be used for renovations to support homeless veterans’ housing. The city will work in collaboration with Alpha Omega Veterans.
9. Reimagining Southwest Tennessee Community College Renovations Project – $250,000. The funding will be used to renovate and modernize key facilities on the campus.
10. Memphis Airport Terminal Modernization and Seismic Project – $4,250,000. The funding, jointly requested with Congressman David Kustoff (TN-8), will be used to seismically protect the airport departure roadway, enhance ADA access, and provide shelter for passengers from inclement weather. 

The CJS Subcommittee approved the following:

1. Memphis Police Department Equipment Upgrades Project — $1,031,000. The funding would be used to make critical software improvements to keep the Memphis Police Department aligned with best practices in public safety, utilizing predictive policing and data-driven operations.  
2. Enhancing Shelby County District Attorney’s Victims/Witness Unit and Data Collection Services — $1,031,000. The funding would be used to enhance the victim/witness services program and support digital forensics to recover, analyze and preserve electronic data. 
3. Community Project Funding for City of Memphis Youth Violence Prevention Initiative — $1,031,000. The funding would be used to expand to a second location in South Memphis and increase services to youth and families to disrupt the pipeline to prison. The city plans to work with the community organizations Heal 901 and Pure Academy.

The Homeland Security Committee approved the following in June:

1. Shelby County Emergency Operations Center — $1,034,487.  The funding would be used to construct a new emergency operations center that will serve all seven municipalities of Shelby County.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) issued the following statement on the House passage of President Trump’s request to cancel $9 billion in congressionally appropriated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and essential foreign assistance, including global health and food programs.  

“Once again, Republicans are blindly following President Trump at the expense of their own constituents. For years, Republicans and Democrats worked together to secure funding for programs we all agreed were essential for our constituents and the country, but now Republicans are disregarding their own decisions and undermining the authority of Congress to make critical funding decisions. 

“Under the cover of night, Republicans passed a harmful rescissions package that will gut funding for local broadcasting in rural communities across our state and make our country less safe by cutting essential foreign aid programs. This comes on the heels of the passage of their Big Ugly Bill that will rip away health care from millions, leave kids and seniors hungry, and bankrupt our country — all to give giant tax breaks to billionaires. 

“I cannot understand how Republicans can think that selling off Sesame Street will lower the cost of living for Washingtonians. Amid these reckless, Republican-led cuts, I will keep fighting to protect the funding and programs that all Americans rely on.”  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined a group of Senate and House colleagues to introduce the Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act to stop drug trafficking on social media platforms and help law enforcement counter the sale of illicit drugs on social media platforms. The bill requires social media companies and other communication service providers to alert federal law enforcement when illegal drug dealing and distribution occur on their platforms.

“Teens are far too often poisoned by fentanyl they purchased online, either purposely or inadvertently,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “This bill will save lives by giving law enforcement the resources they need to crack down on criminals selling drugs on social media platforms. You can count on me to work to protect children and communities from fentanyl poisoning and addiction. ” 

Background:

The bill is named for two teenagers: Cooper Davis of Kansas and Devin Norring of Minnesota, who died after unknowingly taking counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl purchased through Snapchat. The National Crime Prevention Council estimates that eight in ten teen and young adult fentanyl overdose deaths are associated with social media contact.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Don Davis (D-NC), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Thomas Suozzi (D-NY), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), and Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ) introduced the legislation in the House. 

It is sponsored in the Senate by Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Todd Young (R-IN).

Read the bill text HERE.