MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Ro Khanna (D-PA), Scott Peters (D-CA) and Sam Liccardo (D-CA) are proud to announce the re-launch of the Congressional Caucus for Longevity Science. The Longevity Science Caucus aims to educate Members about the growing field of aging and longevity biotechnology, and to promote initiatives aimed at increasing the healthy average lifespan of all Americans.   As the population continues to age, proactive investment can significantly reduce the long-term economic and healthcare burdens on society. By investing in research that delays aging and prevents chronic diseases, the government can promote healthier citizens, lower healthcare costs, and extend the productive years of life. Supporting longevity science is a forward-thinking strategy that benefits both individuals and the broader economy. 

Congressman Bilirakis serves as a senior Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is a Co-Chair of this Caucus along with Representative Tonko.  Bilirakis noted, “Increasing life expectancy and promoting positive health outcomes are important priorities, and the formation of this caucus is an important step toward achieving those goals.  I believe in promoting individual responsibility and supporting innovation in the pursuit of scientific discoveries that will enable Americans to live happier and longer lives.   I am honored to co-chair this bipartisan effort with my colleague, Congressman Tonko.  We will work with our colleagues in an effort to make a significant impact on the future health and wellness for our constituents.”

Tonko, who is also a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, added, “With life expectancy in the United States at its lowest in decades, we in Congress need to come together to address this decline and support science and research that will enable people to live fuller and healthier lives. We’re doing just that with the Longevity Caucus. I am grateful for the partnership of Congressman Bilirakis in leading this Caucus and look forward to working in strong bipartisan fashion to help improve our quality and longevity of life, particularly in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases with aging as the greatest risk factor.”

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

Dear Chief Justice Roberts:

I write to express my strong opposition to President Trump’s Proclamation (the “Proclamation”), issued on March 27, which preposterously purports to restore “truth and sanity to American history” by censoring “improper ideology” at the Smithsonian Institution. It is imperative that you, along with your fellow Regents, continue the storied legacy of the Smithsonian that tells the American story honestly and completely. President Trump’s proclamation, which seeks to whitewash our history, is cowardly and unpatriotic. It must fail.

The Smithsonian attracts tens of millions of visitors a year and works with the finest subject matter experts in virtually every field. The fact that the Proclamation prominently singles out the National Museum of African American History and Culture speaks volumes about Donald Trump’s actual motivation. To be clear: Black history is American history. It cannot and will not be erased.

History is replete with dangerous efforts to manipulate cultural and historical narratives in order to consolidate power, including during twentieth-century regimes like those in the Soviet Union and 1930s Germany. That is not America. I strongly urge you to reject the Proclamation targeting the Smithsonian and to uphold the 175-year tradition that has made the Institution the preeminent museum, educational and cultural system in the world.

Sincerely,

Hakeem Jeffries
Democratic Leader

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Birmingham, MI – U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) was recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking as the most effective Michigan Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 118th Congress. 

According to the analysis published in the Lansing State Journal, “Stevens was a sponsor on 26 pieces of significant or substantial legislation” and was the most effective Member of Congress “on science and technology issues.”

“Being recognized as one of the most effective Members of Congress is an honor, but this is not about me — it’s about the people of Michigan and what we can achieve when we come together and fight for what’s right,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “I will continue working tirelessly to strengthen Michigan’s manufacturing economy, create more jobs, and make sure that all of us, no matter where we live in our state, have the resources we need to thrive.”

In total, six of Rep. Stevens’ bills passed the House of Representatives in the 118th Congress, including the unanimous passage of H.Res.793, a resolution calling on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during the October 2023 attack on Israel. 

Of these six, two bills and portions of a third bill were subsequently signed into law by President Biden. The FAA Severe Turbulence Research and Development Act of 2023, was signed into law as part of the 2024 FAA reauthorization and the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day Act and provisions from the Countering Wrongful Detention Act were included in the fiscal years 2024 and 2025 National Defense Authorization Acts respectively. 

Retiring Senator Gary Peters was ranked as the most effective Senator for the 118th Congress.

Read the full Lansing State Journal article here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) introduced the Prolonged Power Outage Relief Act to help families, communities, and small businesses weather the financial fall out of prolonged power outages.

The bill amends the Small Business Act to include prolonged power outages as a basis to declare a federal disaster if more than 25 homes or businesses in a close area are without power for more than 48 hours. Such a declaration would allow those affected to apply for low-interest loans to repair or replace appliances, machinery, or equipment or purchase generators or other alternative power sources to mitigate the impact of future power outages. 

“After ice storms and tornadoes swept our state earlier this month, it is more important than ever to make sure Michiganders have the support they need to continue to care for their families,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “That’s why I introduced the Prolonged Power Outage Relief Act, because at a time where prices are on the rise, families and small businesses shouldn’t have to shoulder the cost of power outages alone.  Keeping businesses open and families fed is key to ensuring that storms don’t cause long-term financial hardship for Michiganders, and I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation to get the job done.”

“The historic ice storm in northern Michigan, coupled with 10 confirmed tornadoes in the southern and central Lower Peninsula, underscore how the state’s energy customers face growing challenges from increasingly frequent and severe weather brought about by climate change,” said Michigan Public Service Commission Chair Dan Scripps. “We appreciate Congresswoman Stevens’ efforts to ensure Michigan’s residential and business customers have more resources to help them recover and rebuild from the impact of these storms and power outages.”

“I commend Congresswoman Stevens for introducing this crucial bill,” said Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa Rich. “This legislation empowers mayors to declare a disaster when power outages extend beyond 48 hours, providing a lifeline to residents and businesses through low-interest loans. These financial resources can be instrumental in sustaining a business and assisting community members in times of adversity.”

“Power outages often lead to significant losses of product, equipment, and revenue,” said Rifino Valentine, President & Founder, Valentine Distilling Co. “I really appreciate Rep. Stevens’ attention to this issue by introducing solutions that can really help a small manufacturer like us during challenging times.’”

“Prolonged power outages are not just inconveniences – they represent a significant threat to Michigan’s, and the country’s, economy,” said Brad Williams, Vice President of Government Relations for the Chamber. “Every hour of downtime for a manufacturing facility translates to lost production, lost wages, and lost tax revenue. By prioritizing grid modernization and emergency response plans, we can mitigate these risks and ensure that Michigan’s economic engine continues to hum.”

Background:

The Prolonged Power Outage Relief Act amends the Small Business Act to recognize prolonged power outages as a basis for declaring a disaster. In the event of such a declaration, the legislation provides access to various forms of assistance, which include:

• Real Property Disaster Loans: Households can receive up to $500,000 to repair or restore their primary residence to its pre-disaster condition.
• Personal Property Disaster Loans: Homeowners and renters in a declared disaster area are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property, including furniture, appliances, clothing, and automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
• Physical Disaster Business Loans: Businesses of all sizes, including nonprofits, can access up to $2 million to repair or replace uninsured or underinsured disaster damages to physical property. This covers machinery, equipment, fixtures, inventory, and leasehold improvements.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and small agricultural cooperatives located in a declared disaster area can apply for EIDLs. These loans, amounting to up to $2 million, are aimed at helping entities that have suffered substantial economic injury, are unable to secure credit elsewhere and meet SBA size regulations for being defined as small. EIDL proceeds, limited to working capital, can be used to fulfill financial obligations and operating expenses that would have been met under normal circumstances, allowing the business or organization to recover from the specific economic injury and resume normal operations.

Full text of the legislation can be found here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

This week, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) hosted two events to celebrate and honor the winners of both the 2024 Congressional App Challenge and the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Both events were held on the campus of Barren County High School. 

“I am so proud to see the hard work that our local students put into their submissions for both the Congressional App Challenge and Congressional Art Competitions,” said Congressman Guthrie“It was an honor to host these extraordinarily talented students, their families, teachers, and friends this week to celebrate their incredible accomplishments. I know that all of these students have bright futures ahead, and I look forward to seeing their continued success in whatever their futures hold. Keep up the great work!” 

2024 Congressional App Challenge Awards Ceremony

The Congressional App Challenge allows middle and high school students to compete with peers in their own Congressional District by creating and exhibiting their software applications, or “apps,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. 

It was established by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015 and is a nationwide competition intended to engage students’ creativity and encourage their participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields. Eligibility is limited to students currently enrolled in middle or high school and either reside or attend school in the district.

OVERALL FIRST PLACE: Allergy Aware by Emmaline Phelps, Brooke Gibson and Cole Young from Barren County High School. Their app helps connect individuals with food allergies, as well as their friends and family members, with resources to identify and even treat common allergic reactions. This includes making users aware of risk factors and instructions to administer epinephrine and even contains alternative recipes to avoid the selected allergen.

All three students from the winning student group recently had the opportunity to travel to the U.S. Capitol to participate in the Congressional App Challenge 2024 House of Code Showcase, where winning submissions from across the country were highlighted.

OVERALL FOURTH PLACE: Serving Society by Danica Stephens from Glasgow High School. Their app creates a platform to connect individuals looking for service opportunities with churches, volunteer organizations, and community groups to solve the needs of their broader community. 

Congressman Guthrie recently presented other winning students with their awards at a March event at Hebron Middle School. Information about the winners honored at that event can be found here. 

Photos from the Congressional App Challenge Awards Ceremony can be found here.

2025 Congressional Art Competition Reception and Awards Ceremony

The Congressional Art Competition allows high school students in Kentucky’s Second Congressional District to compete for the chance to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. This week’s reception gave artists from across the district to showcase their artwork for their peers, family members and judges. 

The competition is judged by art professionals and professors from colleges and universities in the district. The “Overall First Place” winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The second and third place submissions, in addition to the “Facebook Favorite” will be displayed in Congressman Guthrie’s various Congressional offices.

All submitted artwork for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition can be found here.

Pictures from this week’s reception can be found here.

OVERALL FIRST PLACE: Liliana Garcia – “Dry Road”

 
OVERALL SECOND PLACE: Ava Alford – “Sea to Shining Sea”

 
OVERALL THIRD PLACE: Heloisa Almeida – “Onca Pintada”

Almeida –
 
FACEBOOK FAVORITE: Heloisa Almeida – “Run for the Roses”

 
OVERALL HONORABLE MENTIONS:
1.    Heloisa Almeida – “Run for the Roses”
2.    Braden Bratcher – “Alone”
3.    Serenyty Johnson – “Artist Inspiration Project”

COUNTY WINNERS:

Bullitt County: 
1.    Hannah Sharrill – “Born in Ancient Giza”
2.    Tatum Barrow – “Reach for the Stars”

Butler County:
1.    Heloisa Almeida – “Onca Pintada”
2.    Heloisa Almeida – “Run for the Roses”
3.    Braden Bratcher – “Alone”

Hardin County: 
1.    Liliana Garcia – “Dry Road”
2.    Greta Warren – “Emerald Tree Boa”
3.    Emily Armstrong – “World Wide Pollution”

Hart County:
1.    Braydon Thompson – “Aged to Perfection”
2.    Braydon Thompson – “Modern Dragon”
3.    Katie Matthews – “The Liderung”

Nelson County:
1.    Ava Alford – “Sea to Shining Sea”
2.    Ava Alford – “Dreaming of Travel”
3.    Zoey Kirchner – “The Warmth of Your Grasp”

Warren County:
1.    Liam McDonald – “Chevelle”
2.    Bella Dillinger – “AI: Alternate Identity”
3.    Shantel Isomura – “Our Lady’s Welcome”
 
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

Statement on Heinous Violence Outside Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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

Stefanik Requests Secretary Noem Designate Plattsburgh International Airport as a Port of Entry | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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

Statement on President Trump Stripping UNRWA of Immunity | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06), and Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) sent a letter to the House Committee on Ethics and the Committee on House Administration urging them to review potential violations of House rules by Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02). 

“House Ethics rules clearly prohibit Members of Congress from using official resources to promote political events. Yet, Rep. Angie Craig used her taxpayer-funded congressional office to further her political ambitions by publicizing campaign-sponsored events and soliciting donations for political fundraising,” the Representatives stated. “This misuse of public resources erodes the trust Americans place in their elected officials and undermines the integrity of our institutions, which is why we are calling on the House Ethics Committee and the Committee on House Administration to thoroughly review Rep. Craig’s conduct.” 

Read the full letter below: 

Dear Chairmen Guest and Steil and Ranking Members DeSaulnier and Morelle, 

We write today regarding Rep. Angie Craig’s potential violations of House rules through the use of official office resources for campaign purposes.  

As you know, both the House Ethics Manual and the Members’ Handbook strictly prohibit the use of official House resources, including the Members’ Representational Allowance (MRA), official communications, congressional office equipment, office supplies, and congressional staff time, for campaign or political purposes. 

On April 5, 2025, Rep. Angie Craig, who represents Minnesota’s Second Congressional District, had an Op-Ed published in the Minnesota Star Tribune newspaper from her official office where she made the announcement that she would be holding ‘town halls’ in the four U.S. House Congressional Districts represented by Republicans, excluding the three other U.S. House Congressional Districts represented by Democrats. On April 6, 2025, Rep. Angie Craig published a post from her official social media account – @RepAngieCraig – promoting that Op-Ed and reiterating her announcement that she would be hosting ‘town halls’ in Minnesota’s First, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Congressional Districts, again only those represented by Republicans. On April 16, 2025, Rep. Angie Craig published a post from her political campaign social media that the week of April 21^st and April 25^th, 2025, Rep. Craig would hold ‘town halls’ in Grand Rapids, St. Cloud, Willmar, and Mankato, Minnesota, all of which are located outside the Representative’s district. These ‘town halls’ which were initially published and promoted through Rep. Angie Craig’s official office are now directing people to Rep. Angie Craig’s political campaign website and soliciting support for her political campaign. 

The integrity of the House and the trust of the American people in our institution demand full transparency and accountability in matters of official conduct. Misusing public funds for campaign activity undermines the confidence of our constituents and the principle that elected office should be used to serve the people, not advance one’s own political ambitions.

We urge your committees to conduct a thorough review of this matter and to take any steps necessary to ensure full compliance with all applicable rules and statutes. Thank you for your attention to this matter and your commitment to upholding the ethical standards that the American people rightfully expect of their elected representatives.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, U.S. Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Grace Meng (NY-06), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) , joined by 41 colleagues, sent a letter urging U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to immediately reverse the Department of Education’s decision to dismantle the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) and terminate nearly all its staff. 

In the letter, Members denounce the Department’s March decision to merge OELA into the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), stating it “severely undermines the Department’s ability to meet its legal and moral obligations to English Learners (ELs).

“Dismantling OELA is an outright attack on the more than five million English Learners in our public schools,” the letter states. “These students—most of whom are U.S. citizens–deserve targeted support and resources. Gutting the very office responsible for that support is not just irresponsible—it’s indefensible.”

OELA oversees key federal programs, including the $890 million Title II English Language Acquisition grants, and supports initiatives to recruit bilingual educators, improve instruction, and disseminate resources through the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA). The termination of OELA staff with specialized expertise, the letter argues, jeopardizes the Department’s ability to administer these programs and enforce Title III requirements. 

The letter emphasizes that OELA is statutorily mandated to operate as a standalone office reporting directly to the Secretary. Its elimination raises serious legal questions and signals a disregard for congressional intent under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). 

The letter demands full transparency on the legal and equity impact of the Department’s actions, and they request a response by April 30, 2025. The letter also poses direct questions to Secretary McMahon about the Department’s plans for administering Title III grants, conducting equity analyses, and ensuring the continued prioritization of English Learners under the reorganized structure.

“We commend Congressman García for standing up for English Learners at a time when their access to quality education is under threat,” said Janet Murguia, President and CEO, UnidosUS. “The Department’s decision to gut OELA not only undermines critical educational support, but it also violates the principles of equity and inclusion for all students. We urge the Administration to reinstate OELA as an independent office with the authority and expertise our students deserve.”

“The hypocrisy is befuddling. Just weeks after signing an executive order mandating English as our official language, the president destroys the office dedicated to helping students learn it,” said Randi Weingarten, President of American Federation of Teachers. “President Trump might not care, but as the union representing most of the educators who teach in schools with English language learners, we are committed to the intellectual and social development of all students—and we will continue to fight for the tools and resources they need to succeed and navigate the world around them.”

A full text of the letter is available here. 

Co-signers of the letter include: Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Monica McIver (NJ-10), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) Shri Thanadar (MI-13), Darren Soto (FL-09), Linda Sánchez (CA-36), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Salud Carabajal (CA-24), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Henry “Hank Johnson” (GA-04), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Norma Torres (CA-35), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Danny Davis (IL-07), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dina Titus (NV-01), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Summer Lee (PA-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Judy Chu (CA-28), Ed Case (HI-01), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Janice Schakowsky (IL-09), Greg Casar (TX-35), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Jerrold Nadler (NY-12). 

A full list of endorsing organizations is available here. 

 

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