MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, DC [5/1/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced bipartisan legislation based on a successful Oregon program to protect students from accidental fentanyl poisoning.

The Fentanyl Awareness for Children and Teens in Schools (FACTS) Act is modeled on the Beaverton School District’s Fake and Fatal fentanyl awareness curriculum in Oregon, which has successfully prevented student deaths since its launch. The bill will also develop a federal interagency task force to fight the synthetic opioid crisis through education and prevention and improve federal education and health data collection efforts to understand and highlight the effects of synthetic opioids on youth.

Oregonians Jon and Jennifer Epstein lost their son Cal to fentanyl poisoning when he mistakenly took a fake pill, and they were instrumental in creating the Fake and Fatal curriculum and advocating for its expansion. Jon was Bonamici’s guest for the 2024 State of the Union.

“I continue to be inspired by Jon and Jennifer’s dedication to saving lives following the tragic loss of their son,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The educational programs they helped create are already saving students by increasing awareness about the dangers of fake pills laced with fentanyl. The FACTS Act will build on that legacy by spreading this powerful and effective curriculum to reach students in schools across the country.”

“An accidental fentanyl poisoning forever changed our family,” said Jon and Jennifer Epstein. “Like many youth still today, Cal had no idea that something 50x more powerful than heroin was being made into fake pills that look exactly like real pharmaceuticals and sold on social media for a few bucks. Cal made a tragic mistake thinking that buying something like this online was safe; he had no idea the risk he was taking, and it turned out to be fatal. The FACTS Act will reduce the number of families from suffering the devastation ours did by giving youth trustworthy facts and information about today’s drug landscape and how to keep themselves and their friends safe.  We’re incredibly grateful to Rep. Bonamici and the other members for bringing forward and supporting this valuable legislation; closing the knowledge gap and changing the perception of harm around off script medicine use will undoubtably save young lives and lessen the future burden of harmful substance use. There are no magic wands in this crisis, but upstream awareness, education, and primary prevention efforts are largely untapped mitigations with huge potential.

“As a mother who lost a child to this scourge, I am grateful to see members of Congress from opposite sides of the aisle introduce this legislation. I want to thank Representative Bonamici, Representative Wittman, Representative Neguse, and Representative Van Drew for introducing the Fentanyl Awareness for Children and Teens in Schools (FACTS) Act, which will bring awareness to this issue and save lives,” said Laura Didier, Outreach Coordinator at Song for Charlie.

The FACTS Act is cosponsored by Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ).

“Far too many families in Virginia’s First District and across America have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to accidental fentanyl poisoning,” said Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01). “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the FACTS Act to help stop this crisis before it starts in schools —by giving students, parents, and educators the tools they need to recognize the dangers of counterfeit pills laced with deadly synthetic opioids. Education is prevention, and this bipartisan bill will help save lives by expanding access to proven awareness programs in schools across the country.” 

“The harsh reality we are dealing with is fentanyl is destroying families and taking lives right here in our communities,” said Congressman Jeff Van Drew. “The FACTS Act is a proactive step to arm our students, teachers, and families with the knowledge and tools they need to fight back. By educating our youth about the dangers of counterfeit pills and synthetic opioids, we are giving them the power to make safer choices.”

Only 2 in 5 young Americans consider themselves knowledgeable about fentanyl, according to Song for Charlie. The organization, which is dedicated to raising awareness about fake pills, also found that only 36 percent of teens are aware that fentanyl is being used to create counterfeit pills.

The FACTS Act is endorsed by: Song for Charlie, National PTA, School Superintendents Association (AASA), American Psychological Association (APA), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), National Association of Counties (NACo), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

“The recent decline in youth fentanyl deaths indicate that public awareness campaigns are having a positive impact,” said Ed Ternan, President of Song for Charlie, a nonprofit that educates kids and families about the fentanyl crisis. “The FACTS Act facilitates the critical next step – implementing educational programs in classrooms and community centers across the country.”

“The solution to the problem of substance use by youth requires a collaborative effort,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA, the nation’s oldest and largest child advocacy association. “PTA applauds Representative Bonamici for reintroducing the FACTS Act. The bill would provide funding to establish and strengthen partnerships between public health agencies, nonprofit organizations and state and local education agencies to help raise awareness and prevent the use of fentanyl by children and teens.”

“Fentanyl education works,” said Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Superintendent of the Beaverton School District, where a robust fentanyl awareness program, called Fake & Fatal, has been in practice since April 2021. “When you intentionally and consistently inform students and their families about the dangers of fake pills made from deadly fentanyl, you equip them with the knowledge to make life-saving decisions. It is my hope that this legislation will provide other school districts around the country with the tools and encouragement to implement curriculum and support systems that save lives.”

A fact sheet on the FACTS Act can be found here and the full text can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) led 63 House Democrats in a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing their strong opposition to the elimination of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the unjustified termination of nearly half of the agency’s workforce. 

“Established in 2012, the ACL was created to eliminate fragmentation in federal programs for aging and disability populations, improve access to quality healthcare and long-term services, and ensure consistent policies across federal agencies,” wrote the lawmakers. “ACL’s workforce plays a crucial role in managing and coordinating federal, state, and local programs aimed at helping seniors and people with disabilities remain healthy and thrive in their homes and communities.”

“We are gravely concerned about your arbitrary directive to dismantle the ACL and urgently request answers to understand the wide-ranging consequences this decision will have upon the health and wellbeing of older adults and individuals with disabilities,” continued the Members. 

This letter is in response to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announcement to end ACL’s critical programs across the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This month, a draft budget proposal outlining the proposed elimination of ACL’s Aging Programs and Nutrition and Disability Services Programs from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was made public. 

Full text of the letter can be found here. 

This letter has been endorsed by Justice in Aging, National Health Law Program (NHeLP), National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), USAging, Caring Across Generations, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, and National Association of Social Workers (NASW). 

In addition to Reps. Schakowsky, Matsui, and Bonamici, the letter was also signed by Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Jill Tokuda, Lucy McBath, Nanette Diaz Barragán, Dwight Evans, Paul Tonko, Debbie Dingell, Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Danny K. Davis, Salud Carbajal, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr.,  Eric Sorensen, Mark Pocan, Juan Vargas, Sean Casten, J. Luis Correa, Brittany Pettersen, Terri A. Sewell, Sarah McBride, Stephen F. Lynch, Rashida Tlaib, Gwen S. Moore, James P. McGovern, Andrea Salinas, Bennie G. Thompson, David Scott, Haley M. Stevens, Mikie Sherrill, Betty McCollum, Seth Magaziner, Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Nikki Budzinski, Adam Smith, Hillary J. Scholten, Delia C. Ramirez, Ritchie Torres, Shri Thanedar, Troy A. Carter, Sr., Seth Moulton, Greg Landsman, Greg Stanton, Gabe Amo, Angie Craig, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jennifer L. McClellan, Eugene Simon Vindman, Becca Balint, Lois Frankel, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ro Khanna, LaMonica McIver, Kevin Mullin, Maggie Goodlander, Judy Chu, Chellie Pingree, Val Hoyle, George Latimer, Mary Gay Scanlon, Dave Min, Steve Cohen, Kelly Morrison, and Donald S. Beyer Jr.

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – In a new op-ed in the Washington Times, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14), the Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and Vice-Chair of the Energy Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee, details the urgent need to restore American energy leadership by investing in the Gulf Coast — particularly Southeast Texas.

Below, please find an excerpt from the op-ed.

The world runs on Southeast Texas energy

Washington Times

By: Representative Randy Weber

April 28, 2025

“When America needs energy, it turns to Texas and more specifically, to Southeast Texas. We don’t just refine oil or export gas. We fuel economies, empower allies, and protect national security. In short: we are the energy capital of the world…

“Our energy sector supports millions of well-paying jobs across America and tens of thousands of those are in Southeast Texas. These are jobs that don’t require four-year degrees, but do demand skill, grit, and the kind of work ethic that built this county. Welders, pipefitters, engineers, rig hands, terminal operators, truck drivers, safety techs this is the American workforce at its best…

“We have four years to do a lot of important work that has been neglected for years. If we want to continue our energy dominance, we must double down on Southeast Texas…

“That means investing in critical infrastructure pipelines, ports, and power grids to move our products faster and safer. It means cutting the red tape that delays permits and discourages innovation. It means unleashing the full potential of LNG, hydrogen, and carbon capture, and empowering the hardworking men and women who keep our energy economy running.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – The Science, Space and Technology Committee advanced the Next Generation Pipeline Research and Development Act, led by U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Deborah Ross (NC-2), to strengthens public-private partnerships, increases federal research, development, and demonstration related to the evolution of next-generation pipeline systems, and modernizes existing infrastructure.

Weber and Ross introduced the legislation on April 3, 2025. Weber also previous introduced the bill in the 118th Congress, where it passed the U.S. House by a vote of 373-41 on September 24, 2024. 

“I’m proud that the Science, Space, and Technology Committee advanced this commonsense, bipartisan bill to strengthen the backbone of America’s energy infrastructure,” said Rep. Weber. “As we continue unlocking our God-given energy resources, it’s critical that we also invest in the research and development needed to modernize over a million miles of pipeline that keep the lights on, fuel our vehicles, and power American manufacturing. This bill has earned broad, bipartisan support—both now and in the last Congress—and I strongly urge my colleagues to back it when it comes to the House floor.”

Highlights of the Next Generation Pipeline Research and Development Act:

1. Authorizing the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Secretary of Interior, and others, to establish a demonstration initiative and joint research and development program for low-to mid-technology readiness level research projects to achieve deployment.
2. Creating a National Pipeline Modernization Center at the Department of Energy, which will foster collaboration with industry and stakeholders to commercialize cost-effective products and procedures.
3. Conducting a program at NIST of measurement research, development, demonstration, and standardization to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities and ensure their safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.

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

Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL-02) joined Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Ashley Moody (R-FL) to reintroduce bicameral and bipartisan legislation to incentivize investment in spaceport infrastructure. The Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act will provide spaceports like Vandenberg Space Force Base eligibility for tax-exempt municipal revenue bonds, which are typically used to attract private investment for critical infrastructure projects.

Currently, projects such as airports and docks qualify for these tax-exempt municipal revenue bonds. The Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act provides spaceports the same opportunities to garner needed investment for a rapidly evolving industry.

“We’re in the middle of a new space race and we need to give American spaceports the tools they need to maintain their competitive edge,” said Rep. Carbajal, senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Our bipartisan bill is an important step forward to improving public-private investments into our growing space industry and ensuring our country doesn’t fall behind our foreign competitors.”

Rep. Dunn said, “The United States must invest heavily in its space infrastructure to maintain our economic dominance and national security interests in space. Florida communities are eager to expand investments in space infrastructure, and Congress must be willing to facilitate these efforts. This bipartisan legislation will help secure our commercial and defense interests while paving the way for American dominance in space.”

Sen. Moody said, “I have seen firsthand how public and private entities can come together to make great strides in innovation on Florida’s Space Coast. It is vital to incentivize these partnerships and ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of the space industry to not only build upon Florida’s economic successes but protect national security interests as well. I am thankful for my colleagues that have joined me in introducing this important legislation and look forward to bolstering Florida’s position as the leader of space exploration.”

Sen. Luján said, “As our adversaries rapidly invest in space innovation and infrastructure, we must act decisively to maintain our leadership in space innovation. Strengthening investments in spaceports – like Spaceport America in New Mexico and others nationwide – is critical to this effort. That is why I’m proud to introduce this bill that creates pathways for public and private partnerships to ensure our country remains at the forefront of space innovation.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Rep. Don Beyer, who represents a Northern Virginia congressional district with one of the largest concentrations of federal workers in the U.S. House, today led a group of House Democrats in announcing the introduction of legislation to rebuild the federal workforce and protect federal workers. The REHIRE Act would make it easier for federal employees wrongfully fired by the Trump Administration to be rehired, while the PREP Act would codify rules governing probationary status for federal employees to prevent future abuses like the mass firings illegally directed by Trump and Elon Musk.

“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are doing unprecedented damage to the federal workforce and the services they provide which the American people depend on. Congress should lose no time in working to repair that damage and pass laws to stop it from happening again,” said Beyer. “My bills would pave the way to rehire many of the federal workers who devoted their careers to serving the American people, and bringing their essential expertise and experience back to public service. They would also make reforms that would prevent future mass purges like those employed by Trump and Musk, by clarifying and codifying protections in law. Congress allowed this disaster to happen, and Congress must lead in fixing it.”

The REHIRE Act (text here) would address the reckless and nonsensical firing of much-needed and skilled employees with exemplary standing. The bill extends the hiring preference to career federal employees that have been involuntarily removed from their positions in the competitive service during the Trump Administration. The REHIRE Act is cosponsored by Reps. Gwen Moore (WI), Suhas Subramanyam (VA), Rashida Tlaib (MI), Steve Cohen (TN), Sarah Elfreth (MD), Terri Sewell (AL), David Scott (GA), Chellie Pingree (ME), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC).

The PREP Act (text here) would reform the probationary process which impacts both new hires and feds with new jobs or recent promotions to prevent future executive misuse. Currently, there is no across-the-board probationary timeline that all agencies must adhere to. This bill will provide clarity to agencies with probationary periods standards within the competitive service and will remove agency discretion from retroactively reclassifying permanent employees as probationary at the will of the executive. In particular, it will codify into law the following probationary timelines: 1 year for new hires and 6 months for non-new hires (existing feds with new jobs or promotions). The PREP Act is cosponsored by Reps. Gwen Moore (WI), Rashida Tlaib (MI), Steve Cohen (TN), Sarah Elfreth (MD), Terri Sewell (AL), David Scott (GA), Chellie Pingree (ME), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC).

The REHIRE Act and PREP Act are endorsed by the American Federation of Government Employees, the National Treasury Employees Union, the National Federation of Federal Employees, the Service Employees International Union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, and the Endangered Species Coalition.

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

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

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

Stefanik Statement on Disgraceful Assisted Suicide Bill Passed by New York State Assembly | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), who previously announced an effort to update the Privacy Act of 1974 to better protect Americans’ sensitive data, and House Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11) demanded information from the National Labor Relations Board regarding potential violations of federal privacy laws by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffers at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
“We write with an urgent request for information related to the disclosure by a National Labor Relations Board whistleblower that agency officials possibly affiliated with the Department of Government Efficiency may have illegally exfiltrated multiple gigabytes of sensitive data, including the personal information of Americans who reported unfair labor practices,” the lawmakers wrote. “We are deeply concerned that these actions may constitute violations of the Privacy Act of 1974, which can carry criminal penalties, and the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, which requires agency heads to notify Congress of major data breaches.”
The request follows a whistleblower at NLRB sounding the alarm about DOGE representatives removing approximately ten gigabytes of sensitive data, including the personal information of Americans who have previously reported unfair labor practices, and then attempting to cover up their actions. The data removed from the agency could also include companies’ proprietary information.
In addition to concerns about Musk’s conflicts of interest with his company SpaceX currently fighting NLRB complaints, the unverified and unreported exfiltration of Americans’ personal data could constitute violations of both the Privacy Act of 1974, which regulates how the federal government stores and uses Americans’ sensitive data, and the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), which requires that federal agencies notify Congress when Americans’ data is breached.
“Based on our understanding of the whistleblowers’ disclosure, we are concerned that NLRB officials, especially those affiliated with DOGE, may have violated both the Privacy Act and FISMA. With respect to the Privacy Act, it is overwhelmingly likely that one or more NLRB employees–and not foreign actors or criminals–perpetrated the massive data exfiltration on March 4th, violating the Act’s disclosure requirements. Moreover, it appears that these officials did so without obtaining written consent nor receiving agency approval for an ‘exception’ to the consent requirement, meaning they could be subject to criminal penalties,” the lawmakers concluded. “And with respect to FISMA, it appears that the whistleblower discovered a ‘major incident’ under any definition of the term proposed by OMB. NLRB subsequently failed to notify Congress, in apparent violation of its statutory requirements: as of writing, neither the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee nor House Education & the Workforce Committee have received notification with the required information about the incident.”
The lawmakers are requesting answers to the following questions by May 16, 2025:

All reports, communications, and written documentation produced during NLRB’s investigation into Mr. Berulis’s concerns that Tim Bearese, the NLRB’s acting press secretary, confirmed took place in a statement to National Public Radio (NPR).
A signed attestation that NLRB determined the events which Mr. Berulis discovered qualify as a “major incident” under the definitions proposed by OMB or, alternatively, an explanation of why the NLRB did not make such a determination.
Why has the NLRB failed to notify relevant Congressional committees as required by FISMA, including the House Oversight and Government Reform and House Education & the Workforce Committees?
For each official who holds, or has previously held since January 20th, 2025, access to NLRB information technology systems:

a.    What is the nature of that employee’s relationship with NLRB?
                                      i.        If the employee is full-time, to what other agencies are they detailed?
                                     ii.        If the employee is detailed to NLRB, from what agency are they detailed?
                                    iii.        If the employee is a contractor, what firm do they work for?
b.    For each NLRB system that the employee previously had access to, currently has access to, or will have access to:
                                      i.        What level of access to the system does the employee currently possess?
                                     ii.        Who provided such access to the system?
                                    iii.        What was the justification for providing such access to the system, especially if no other agency official had previously been granted the same level of access?
                                   iv.        When was access to the system provided?
                                     v.        What training, including security and privacy, were provided to the employee regarding their access to the system? Did this training take place before or after access was provided?
                                   vi.        To the extent that access to the system was provided under a Privacy Act exception, what exception was invoked?
                                  vii.        What security controls were implemented, if any, as a result of your granting the employee their access to the system?
                                 viii.        Did the NLRB official who granted access to the system consider the cyber, operational, or privacy risks before doing so?
                                   ix.        Has the employee modified, copied, shared, or removed any records from the system?
                                     x.        Has the employee modified the system in any way?
                                   xi.        Has the employee granted, revoked, or otherwise modified access to the system for any other users?
c.     Can you commit to preserving all system logs related to access, development, exfiltration consistent with the Federal Records Act?
d.    Can you commit to otherwise documenting all critical decisions related to information technology systems at NLRB?
A copy of the letter sent today can be accessed HERE.
This request for information follows an effort Trahan led last month requesting an independent investigation into DOGE’s alleged mishandling of Americans’ sensitive data housed in the Treasury Department’s payment system. In March, Trahan announced that she will be introducing legislation to rewrite the Privacy Act for the first time since its passage in 1974.
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