MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Carbajal Slams Republicans’ Passage of President Trump’s Cuts to Public Broadcasting & Other Essential Programs

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

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

 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) today reported that the unemployment rate in Virginia rose again in June, to 3.5 percent. The BLS report notes that “Virginia had the only rate increase” in the month of June. This was the sixth consecutive increase in Virginia’s unemployment rate, the first time the Commonwealth’s unemployment has continuously risen over half a year since the Great Recession job losses of 2008-2009.

Virginia’s rising unemployment rate comes amid the Trump Administration’s purges of thousands of federal workers and contractors across the Commonwealth, many of which are not captured in this data because they will not take effect until subsequent months. CNBC just downgraded Virginia in its annual “Top State for Business” rankings to the lowest point in nearly a decade, specifically citing “federal job cuts.” Recent mass firings by the Trump Administration are likely to substantially increase these cuts even further in coming months.

The rising unemployment rate in Virginia may also be an early indicator of broader damage to the Commonwealth’s economy which Virginia-based forecasters warn could be severe. Yet despite these warnings and increasingly threatening strains on local governments, Governor Youngkin and Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears have so far continued to support the Trump Administration’s mass layoffs and broader cuts to the federal government’s footprint in Virginia.

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves as the top House Democrat on the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, said:

“With six monthly unemployment increases in a row and the only June increase in America, this can no longer be waived away: Virginia’s unemployment rate is clearly rising in a sustained way, and it is a certainty that this increase is being driven by the Trump Administration’s policies. Trump’s mass firings and cuts are draining Virginia’s economy, while also hurting the services Virginians depend on, and many of those cuts are not even showing up in the data yet. I fear it will only get worse as the number of workers purged rises and the economic damage spreads further to other sectors of our economy.

“Governor Youngkin took office in 2022 at a time of historic job growth in Virginia, with an unemployment rate of 2.7 percent the day he was sworn in. Youngkin and  Sears are presiding over a worrying increase in Virginia unemployment, but rather than stand up and fight for Virginians, they are cheering it on for purely political reasons. It’s hard to imagine a worse indictment of their leadership, and Virginians deserve better.”

Historical economic data, including unemployment rates for states including Virginia, is tracked by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED).

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) is the Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, and serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over major economic levers include tax policy, trade, and Social Security. He previously served as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor from 1990-1998.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following after co-leading the introduction of the No Cages in the Everglades Act:

“The Everglades is the crown jewel of Florida—a breathtaking natural treasure and a vital economic engine. It fuels tourism, sustains agriculture, provides drinking water for over 8 million people, supports thriving fisheries, protects property values, and powers job-creating restoration projects that pump billions into our economy each year.

Turning this iconic ecosystem into a state-sponsored cages for migrants—many of whom have no criminal record, are seeking safety, and are already contributing to our communities—is as cruel as it is reckless. “Alligator Alcatraz” threatens decades of environmental restoration, violates Tribal sovereignty, and puts our public health and prosperity at risk.

That’s why I joined Florida House Democrats to introduce the No Cages in the Everglades Act, which would:

• Ban DHS and ICE from contracting with, funding, or operating any immigration detention facility in or near the Everglades;
• Protect sacred tribal lands, endangered wildlife, and the fragile ecological balance of the Everglades;
• Guarantee Members of Congress the right to inspect all immigration detention facilities—whether federally, state, or privately operated—to ensure accountability and compliance with the law;

Mandate a DHS Inspector General investigation into the facility’s conditions, costs, and impacts on detainees, the environment, and neighboring tribal lands.

What we need is real, bipartisan immigration reform that reflects our values and strengthens our economy—not cruel political theater at the expense of people and the environment.”

The bill has earned the support of leading advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Detention Watch Network, Church World Service (CWS), and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC).

For full text of the bill, click here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Rep. Mikie Sherrill issued the following statement condemning the Trump Administration for the decision to use Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for DHS detention operations:

“It is unacceptable that Secretary Hegseth has approved the use of property at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for DHS detention operations.  

“This is a blatant misuse of one of New Jersey’s most critical military assets and reduces a vital national security installation to a stage for political theater, which flies in the face of an apolitical military. Using the base for detention operations risks degrading operational capacity, places an inappropriate burden on our servicemembers, and harms civil-military relations.

“The administration has diverted funding away from supporting our troops for this effort in other states, which is another reason I am strongly opposed to this plan. If DHS needs additional capacity for immigration enforcement, it should seek appropriate funding and resources from Congress, not rely on the military to fill the gap.

“The administration should immediately reverse this decision and respect the essential role our servicemembers and military bases play in defending the nation.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Sends Letter to Officials Expressing Concern Over Delay of Federal Education Funding for 2025-2026

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon recently sent a letter to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Russell Vought, urging the release of federal funds already appropriated by Congress and issued by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for federal formula grants. On June 30, OMB notified the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) that these funds remain under review. Yet, they are typically made available on or around July 1.

Local school districts and educational service units (ESU’s) have already incorporated these essential resources into staffing plans and contractual obligations for the upcoming school year budget.

Rep. Bacon states in the letter, “Schools across Nebraska made hiring decisions this spring based on projected allocations and are finalizing budgets for the 2025-2026 academic year, which begins in a matter of weeks. Delays in these awards place them in the impossible position of revisiting hiring and programming decisions with little time to adjust—decisions that are foundational to academic success and student support.”

Every public school district and the majority of nonpublic schools in Nebraska are touched by the nearly $40 million in frozen federal funding. 

“For example, if the grant funding is not released, Millard Public Schools in Omaha would face an unexpected burden of nearly $900,000—costs that would fall to local taxpayers due to the timing and contractual obligations already in place. This instability jeopardizes the continuity of services and, ultimately, student outcomes,” Rep. Bacon also noted in the letter. 

The funding affects the following programs: Title II-A (Supporting Effective Instruction), Title III-A (English Language Acquisition State Grants), Title IVA and IV-B (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program; 21^st Century Community Learning Centers), and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA).

The text of the full letter can be read here.

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

Headline: Newhouse Votes for Strong National Defense, Troop Pay Raise

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act by the House of Representatives with a vote of 221-209.

“It is no secret that America’s adversaries are hard at work around the world, and House Republicans have delivered critical funding to ensure we maintain the upper hand,” said Rep. Newhouse.  

Newhouse continued, “This legislation invests in next generation aircraft, modernizes our nuclear triad, and supports the Golden Dome initiative to protect us here at home. I am also glad to see a pay raise for our troops alongside pay increases to retain junior servicemembers across our armed forces. I thank Subcommittee Chairman Calvert and full Committee Chairman Cole on their leadership and commitment to keeping national security the priority in this legislation.”  

The Defense Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $831.5 billion, which is flat to the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The legislation invests in America’s military superiority, takes care of our troops and their families, and protects against threats at America’s border.

Military Strength 

• Enhancing investments in 5th and 6th generation aircraft including the F-35, F-47, and F/A-XX.
• Supporting the modernization of the nuclear triad: the B-21 Raider, the Columbia Class Submarine, and Sentinel.
• Targeting resources for unmanned aerial systems, uncrewed maritime platforms, and land-based counter-unmanned aerial systems to advance capabilities and strengthen our national defense.
• Investing in national security space, including proliferated missile warning, missile tracking satellite, and next generation intelligence collection systems to ensure  
  national leaders have real-time global situational awareness.
• Allocating approximately $13 billion for missile defense and space programs to augment and integrate in support of the Golden Dome effort.
• Providing over $2.6 billion for hypersonics programs.

Support for Servicemembers and Families 

• Including an increase of 3.8% in basic pay for all military personnel effective January 1, 2026.
• Continuing historic pay increases enacted in Fiscal Year 2025 for junior enlisted servicemembers.
• Improving quality of life, readiness, and continuity for servicemembers by slowing permanent change of station moves, saving over $662 million.

Combatting Threats at the Southern Border 

• Providing $1.15 billion for counter drug programs, which is $245 million above the 
  budget request.
• Increasing funding for the National Guard Counterdrug Program.
• Transferring Mexico from U.S. Northern Command’s jurisdiction to U.S. Southern Command for better coordination and prioritization.

Bill text before amendments can be found here. 

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

Headline: Newhouse Votes to Boost Nuclear Energy, Achieve Energy Dominance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.  

“The United States is at a critical point regarding the future of domestic energy production, and this legislation makes clear the prominent role nuclear energy and small modular reactors will play as we work to become truly energy dominant,” said Rep. Newhouse.  

Newhouse continues, “It also makes new investments into the Office of Science, which supports the mission at PNNL, and delivers the necessary resources to the Army Corps of Engineers to manage and maintain our critical hydroelectric dams. While there are further changes and funding increases that I would like to see in this legislation, specifically for Hanford and for PNNL, it serves as a strong starting point as we prepare to work with the Senate to support our nation’s energy needs.” 

The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $57.300 billion, which is $766.4 million below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The defense portion of the allocation is $33.223 billion, and the non-defense portion of the allocation is $24.077 billion. 

The bill prioritizes funding for agencies and programs that safeguard U.S. national security, unleash American energy dominance, and advance economic competitiveness.

American Energy 

• Supports one of the largest investments focused on mining production technologies 
  for critical minerals extraction in decades, reducing reliance on foreign sources.
• Robustly funds small modular reactor and advanced reactor demonstration projects, as well as increases funding for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to expand capacity for the review, licensing, and oversight of new nuclear reactors.
• Facilitates the efficient transport of goods and commodities through improvements 
  and maintenance of America’s ports and waterways.
• Increases investments to develop new baseload geothermal energy sources to capitalize on our vast domestic resources.
• Maintains funding for cybersecurity efforts that enable a resilient, reliable, and secure electric grid.

Nuclear Deterrent and National Security

• Provides $20.662 billion for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons 
  stockpile and infrastructure.
• Provides $2.171 billion to support the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet by investing in 
  infrastructure and new technologies to maintain America’s advantage over our adversaries.
• Provides $1.984 billion to reduce the danger of hostile nations or terrorist groups acquiring nuclear weapons.
• Prohibits the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party.
• Prohibits access to U.S. nuclear weapons production facilities by citizens of China and Russia.
• Prohibits the Department of Energy from providing financial assistance to any foreign entity of concern.
• Prohibits the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment from China and other adversaries.

Bill text before amendments can be found here. 

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

Headline: Newhouse Secures $23 Million for Central Washington Infrastructure Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.  

“Across Central Washington, there is a need to modernize, upgrade, and expand various infrastructure projects. I am proud to have secured over $23 million that will go directly to the Wenatchi Landing project, the Port of Quincy rail expansion, and recovery housing in Benton County. These projects will boost economic development, improve public safety, and allow local entities to provide quality services to those who rely on them. I look forward to working with Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, House leadership, and our Senators to get this funding signed into law,” said Rep. Newhouse.  

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $89.910 billion, which is $4.458 billion (4.7%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. This legislation prioritizes air traffic control infrastructure, controller hiring, and transportation safety while maintaining essential housing assistance for our nation’s most vulnerable. 

Rep. Newhouse secured funding for the following projects in Washington’s Fourth District in this legislation. 

The Wenatchi Landing Interchange Improvement Project 

Amount Secured: $10,000,000 

The project aims to address transportation and safety issues in Douglas County, an area experiencing rapid growth, technological advancements, and commerce, while maintaining its agricultural roots. The goal of the project is to improve safety and connectivity between local communities and the broader regional transportation network. The funding will provide key safety upgrades will include a separated pedestrian and bicycle path, improved sidewalks, and better connectivity to U.S. Highway 2, State Route 28, and the county’s broader transportation network. These improvements will reduce accidents, enhance safety for all road users, and support sustainable transportation needs.

Port of Quincy Rail Infrastructure Expansion Project 

Amount Secured: $2,500,00 

Funding will expand the rail infrastructure on the northeast side of Quincy, WA, both within the Port’s current rail terminal and to nearby industrial zoned properties in the Port District. Once complete, the project will provide more freight mobility options to Pacific Northwest and Washington State agricultural and food shippers and exporters, attract industrial and manufacturing projects that will create family wage jobs, lessen wear and tear on freeways, highways and mountain passes by converting over-the-road freight to rail intermodal freight, and decrease fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The Port of Warden Truck Access/Bypass Road Project 

Amount Secured: $2,500,000 

This project is a multi-phase infrastructure initiative aimed at improving freight mobility, enhancing public safety, and supporting economic development in Warden, WA. The project involves constructing a dedicated truck access and bypass road that connects State Route 170 to the Port of Warden’s industrial properties in southwest Warden. This new roadway is designed to provide a more efficient route for trucks transporting goods to and from industrial facilities, allowing them to bypass residential neighborhoods. 

Three Rivers Recovery Housing Project 

Amount Secured: $3,000,000 

Funding would be used to convert a portion of the old Kennewick General Hospital into residential apartments for transitional housing to ensure safe and stable housing exists for people coming out of treatment facilities to ensure smooth re-entry into the community. The building is currently owned by Benton County, Seasons Housing will enter a long-term lease for the space. The completed project will contain up to 17 residential units which can house up to 35 residents. The project will also include spaces for individual and group counseling, entertainment for the residents, and training spaces for social skills and job placement assistance. Benton County is in the process of developing a comprehensive behavioral health recovery program that will serve its residents and those in the surrounding region and this project will help residents achieve lifelong recovery and avoid homelessness that often plagues people recovering from substance use disorders.

Village of Hope 

Amount Secured: $4,265,000

Funding will be used to renovate 25 warehouse units, which currently serve up to 100 homeless individuals, and construct nine new units, which will serve up to 40 additional homeless individuals within the Village of Hope. The current application waiting list is up to 46 chronically homeless families within the community, and the number is rising. The project completion would address the unmet needs of the chronically homeless and provide vulnerable individuals and families on the Yakima reservation with resources, support, and guidance to minimize their barrier to finding permanent housing and improving their quality of life.

Port of Moses Lake Infrastructure Development Project 

Amount Secured: $600,000 

Funding will be used to construct access to common areas surrounding Port of Moses Lake ramp access. Project elements include the construction of aircraft taxi lanes, vehicle access roads, and other site preparation. This work will facilitate public and private development in partnerships to meet the current and accelerating demand, which will in turn create new jobs and generate additional revenue, as well as supporting life and safety operations.

Reconstruction of US 97, Phase 2 

Amount Secured: $948,000 

Funding will be used to support the reconstructing of US 97 through the City of Tonasket. Specifically, funding will be used to add features to increase pedestrian safety and decrease vehicular travel speeds, improve street and pedestrian lighting, replace existing sidewalks with full ADA compliance, correct adverse elevations slopes for ADA crossing compliance, replace existing stormwater structures and conveyance systems to pass design storm events and limit flooding to the adjacent businesses and inflow to the wastewater treatment plant, replace existing 80-year-old cast iron with lead joint watermains, and installation of stormwater treatment to protect the quality of water of the Okanogan River.

Bill text before amendments can be found here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

Washington, D.C. (July 18, 2025) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement after the House passed The Recissions Act of 2025 (Senate Amendment to H.R. 4):

“House Republicans have passed President Trump’s recissions bill, which makes permanent several of the spending cuts made previously by executive order. President Trump campaigned on cutting wasteful government spending, and Congressional Republicans have delivered, saving American taxpayers $9 billion that was slated to go to programs such as far-left, government-funded programming and unchecked foreign assistance.

“This legislation, coupled with the reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4, are significant steps towards reigning in out-of-control big government spending, improving fiscal responsibility, and delivering on the historic mandate given at the ballot box. While our work will continue, this is a major step toward ensuring future generations of Americans have a nation that is free, safe, and full of opportunity.”

Funds to be rescinded (cut) include:

– $1.2 million for LGBTQI+ programs in Uganda and the Western Balkans
– $833K for trans sex workers in Nepal
-$3 million for Iraqi Sesame Street
– $2.5 million to teach kids eco-friendly reproductive health
– $500K for electric buses in Rwanda
– $6 million for “net zero cities” in Mexico
– $1 million to promote voter ID in Haiti
– $5.1 million to strengthen the global queer movement
– $3 million for condoms and productive procedures in Zambia

Click here to read full bill text.