MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Mike Levin (D-CA), and Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) were joined by 45 additional Members of Congress including Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Ranking Member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee Gerry Connolly (D-VA) to call for the immediate termination of the “Department of Government Efficiency’s” (DOGE) use of unauthorized AI systems, emphasizing the significant security risks posed and potential criminal liability involved. The lawmakers also expressed deep concerns with lack of oversight over AI usage, sharing of non-public or sensitive data, and with Elon Musk’s conflicts of interest as a federal contractor and founder and owner of xAI. 

The lawmakers wrote:

“We write to express concern about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems within this Administration’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), without standards or regard for sensitive data. We understand AI’s potential for modernization and efficiency improvements within the federal government, and support implementation of AI technologies in a manner that complies with existing data security and software development, acquisition, and usage laws, and that provides proper transparency, vetting, and oversight over the use of such AI technologies. We are specifically concerned about reports of Elon Musk and DOGE’s monitoring and sharing of federal employee and non-public federal data using AI tools, and reports of intentions to use sensitive data to train private AI models. These present serious security risks, self-dealing, and potential criminal liability if not handled correctly, and have the potential to undermine successful and appropriate AI adoption.

“In addition, DOGE’s reported use of AI technologies on sensitive information raises significant concerns about data security. Musk’s DOGE team at the Office of Personnel Management reportedly used AI systems to analyze emails from a large portion of the two million person Federal workforce describing their previous week’s accomplishments—without model transparency and without addressing major concerns about security or conflicts of interest. Alarmingly, sensitive data from across the Department of Education was also reportedly fed into an AI system, including data with personally identifiable information for people who manage grants, as well as sensitive internal financial data. Without proper protections, feeding sensitive data into an AI system puts it into the possession of a system’s operator—a massive breach of public and employee trust and an increase in cybersecurity risks surrounding that data. Generative AI models also frequently make errors and show significant biases—the technology simply is not ready for use in high-risk decision-making without proper vetting, transparency, oversight, and guardrails in place.

“Sharing of such data would constitute a major data privacy and data security risk. Specifically, we are concerned that sharing such data outside of federal systems or lawfully vetted contracts may run in violation of laws such as the Privacy Act of 1974, the E-Government Act of 2002, and the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014. These laws set requirements for the federal government’s collection and use of personal information and sensitive data— including through establishing limits on agency information sharing, and requirements for data minimization, disclosure limitations, cybersecurity, transparency, and privacy impact assessments for developing or procuring information technology. In addition, the federal government is legally obligated to comply with codified requirements for vetting software and cloud products and services across the federal government, through programs such as the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). 

“It is clear that DOGE’s use of AI clearly does not meet the standards the previous memoranda set. Worse, existing AI systems like CamoGPT have been used in the misguided purging of federal materials from references to achievements of Americans of color and women, including the Navajo Code Talkers and the Tuskegee Airmen. It is not clear how the use of CamoGPT meets the Congressional authorization for AI usage provided in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, but it is alarming that the result of such usage by this Administration was referred to as an error—raising questions about the appropriateness of and lack of sufficient oversight of its use.

“While we support the federal government integrating new, approved AI technologies that can improve efficiency or efficacy, we cannot sacrifice security, privacy, and appropriate use standards when interacting with federal data. We also cannot condone use of AI systems, often known for hallucinations and bias, in decisions regarding termination of federal employment or federal funding without sufficient transparency and oversight of those models—the risk of losing talent and critical research because of flawed technology or flawed uses of such technology is simply too high. We ask that you immediately terminate any use of AI systems that have not been approved by FedRAMP or equivalent formal approval procedures or that do not comply with existing laws. In addition, we ask that you do not use any AI system to make employment termination decisions relating to civil servants.”

Full text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.

–

Dear Director Vought:

We write to express concern about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems within this Administration’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), without standards or regard for sensitive data. We understand AI’s potential for modernization and efficiency improvements within the federal government, and support implementation of AI technologies in a manner that complies with existing data security and software development, acquisition, and usage laws, and that provides proper transparency, vetting, and oversight over the use of such AI technologies. We are specifically concerned about reports of Elon Musk and DOGE’s monitoring and sharing of federal employee and non-public federal data using AI tools, and reports of intentions to use sensitive data to train private AI models. These present serious security risks, self-dealing, and potential criminal liability if not handled correctly, and have the potential to undermine successful and appropriate AI adoption.

A DOGE staffer who is also currently employed at SpaceX reportedly created an “AI assistant” for DOGE staff, powered by Musk’s xAI Grok-2 model—this model was hosted on a subdomain of the staffer’s external website, raising both security concerns and conflict of interest issues. In addition to privacy and security concerns, Musk stands to profit from access to government data or contracting opportunities that are not available to competitors or the public. Increased access to sensitive government data would set his AI models at an unfair competitive advantage over other AI service providers—the conflicts of interest become exponentially worse if Musk pursues further contracts to become a major provider of government AI services.

Further, DOGE reportedly used a chatbot named “GSAi” based on Anthropic and Meta models with the stated intent of analyzing contract and procurement data via a centralized system consolidated under GSA, which would pose similar security and conflict of interest problems. Giving Musk’s teams access to sensitive government data on other contracts across the federal government is especially problematic when considering Musk’s business interests with SpaceX —already a major government contractor—as well as with SpaceX subsidiary Starlink, Tesla, and elsewhere.

In addition, DOGE’s reported use of AI technologies on sensitive information raises significant concerns about data security. Musk’s DOGE team at the Office of Personnel Management reportedly used AI systems to analyze emails from a large portion of the two million person Federal workforce describing their previous week’s accomplishments—without model transparency and without addressing major concerns about security or conflicts of interest. Alarmingly, sensitive data from across the Department of Education was also reportedly fed into an AI system, including data with personally identifiable information for people who manage grants, as well as sensitive internal financial data. Without proper protections, feeding sensitive data into an AI system puts it into the possession of a system’s operator—a massive breach of public and employee trust and an increase in cybersecurity risks surrounding that data. Generative AI models also frequently make errors and show significant biases—the technology simply is not ready for use in high-risk decision-making without proper vetting, transparency, oversight, and guardrails in place.

Sharing of such data would constitute a major data privacy and data security risk. Specifically, we are concerned that sharing such data outside of federal systems or lawfully vetted contracts may run in violation of laws such as the Privacy Act of 1974, the E-Government Act of 2002, and the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014. These laws set requirements for the federal government’s collection and use of personal information and sensitive data— including through establishing limits on agency information sharing, and requirements for data minimization, disclosure limitations, cybersecurity, transparency, and privacy impact assessments for developing or procuring information technology. In addition, the federal government is legally obligated to comply with codified requirements for vetting software and cloud products and services across the federal government, through programs such as the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). 

In 2023, OMB established memoranda to help implement requirements to vet and approve AI technologies for federal use, such as OMB memoranda M-24-10 and M-24-18, which directed federal agencies to use AI only after developing tests and guidelines to ensure that its use would not compromise privacy and cybersecurity. These memoranda recognized the sensitive nature of the information the federal government handles every day and the significant privacy risks of using unvetted AI technologies on such information—including the risk of sharing personally identifiable or otherwise sensitive information with the AI model deployers. While these memoranda were recently revised through OMB’s M-25-21 and M-25-22, the new memoranda retain some provisions on data security and data privacy, including calls against using non-public data for training commercial AI models. These memoranda also define employment decisions for federal employees as a high-impact AI use application. 

It is clear that DOGE’s use of AI clearly does not meet the standards the previous memoranda set. Worse, existing AI systems like CamoGPT have been used in the misguided purging of federal materials from references to achievements of Americans of color and women, including the Navajo Code Talkers and the Tuskegee Airmen. It is not clear how the use of CamoGPT meets the Congressional authorization for AI usage provided in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, but it is alarming that the result of such usage by this Administration was referred to as an error—raising questions about the appropriateness of and lack of sufficient oversight of its use.

While we support the federal government integrating new, approved AI technologies that can improve efficiency or efficacy, we cannot sacrifice security, privacy, and appropriate use standards when interacting with federal data. We also cannot condone use of AI systems, often known for hallucinations and bias, in decisions regarding termination of federal employment or federal funding without sufficient transparency and oversight of those models—the risk of losing talent and critical research because of flawed technology or flawed uses of such technology is simply too high. We ask that you immediately terminate any use of AI systems that have not been approved by FedRAMP or equivalent formal approval procedures or that do not comply with existing laws. In addition, we ask that you do not use any AI system to make employment termination decisions relating to civil servants. 

It is important to understand the extent to which this administration’s reckless disregard for legal authorities and necessary security protocols has extended into use of AI systems. Thoughtful adoption of AI is of strategic national importance. Please provide responses to the following questions by no later than April 25, 2025:

1. Has DOGE or the Trump Administration used AI technologies powered by xAI’s models?
2. What new AI software has been deployed and used by this Administration that was not used by a previous administration? Provide a list.
   1. Include whether each is on the CISA or DISA authorized technologies list or FedRAMP approved services list, and the date such technology or service was added.
   2. Include how this Administration’s use of each of such technologies is in compliance with laws such as the Privacy Act of 1974, the E-Government Act of 2002, and the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014. 
3. Of the models used in the past two months, who has access to the information submitted to such models and how is oversight being conducted?
   1. Please provide the level of clearance, authorization, and training they have received.
   2. Please provide whether they are a special government employee or what category of employee they are.
4. Have the “Grok” models used or the AI technologies used in “GSAi” gone through a federal procurement process prior to use?
   1. Describe the process such technologies were subject to, and provide documentation.
5. As many AI deployers collect information on the prompts input into their AI models, and use those prompts and their inferences to train their models, how are you ensuring that no deployers of any AI technologies that DOGE or the Trump Administration may use engage in this practice?
6. Has DOGE or the Trump Administration to date used any AI technology to make or recommend an employment decision about a federal employee?
   1. If so, which technologies has the Department or Administration used?
   2. If so, how many federal employees did the Department or Administration use AI technology to make or recommend an employment decision about?
7. Has DOGE or the Trump Administration to date used any AI technology to make or recommend a decision regarding a contract or federal funding?
   1.  If so, which contracts and/or which funding? Please provide the search query and rationale for the decision.
8. Have Musk or DOGE employees used government datasets that are not publicly accessible in the training of any non-Federal AI technologies, including for any “Grok” models?
9.  Has DOGE or the Trump Administration to date shared any government datasets that are not publicly accessible with any services, sites, or actors that are not approved by FedRAMP or in a way that is not in compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the E-Government Act of 2002, the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014, or any other relevant laws governing data security?

The name, agency or department of origin, and a timespan of the information covered in the dataset;

A description of the static or dynamic data sources and scope of the data accessed for the analyses performed; and

A description of the content of the data accessed, including data types and known features. This should include identification of any metadata collected (such as associated users, IP addresses, locations, or timestamps).
     
    10. Do any DOGE servers or websites incorporate AI technologies not previously approved under the requirements set by M-24-10 or M-24-18, or agency guidance in compliance with those memoranda, or not on the CISA or DISA authorized technologies list or FedRAMP approved services list? If so, provide a list.
    11.What steps has the Trump Administration taken to ensure that Musk and all DOGE employees are not using their federal government role to enrich themselves personally or the companies in which they hold ownership or maintain affiliation, including through sharing of data?

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the bipartisan Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) Support Reauthorization Act of 2025. The CHGME program supports the residency programs that train the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists.  This bill would extend the CHGME program through 2030.

CHGME is a bipartisan program created by Congress in 1999 to address a gap in federal support for pediatric training. The program has dramatically increased the number of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists in the US.  There are still serious shortages in many pediatric subspecialties, however. That is why the program remains essential.  

Just 1% of hospitals receive CHGME funding and train more than half of all pediatricians and pediatric sub-specialists.

I received my training at a CHGME-funded teaching hospital, and I am grateful that this program is supporting the training of the next generation of pediatricians. Children get their best care from pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists,” said Congresswoman Kim Schrier, MD. ” As a champion for kids in Congress, I have introduced legislation to improve pediatric emergency care, advance childhood cancer treatments, and keep children safe online. This bipartisan legislation helps ensure that more children have access to a pediatrician.”

“At Seattle Children’s, we see every day how essential it is to have a strong pipeline of pediatric specialty providers who are trained to care for the unique needs of children,” said Dr. Jeff Sperring, CEO of Seattle Children’s Hospital. “The CHGME program is foundational to that effort. Without it, we would struggle to maintain the workforce needed to provide comprehensive pediatric care. We’re grateful for Rep. Schrier’s commitment to children’s health and her leadership in ensuring this program continues to serve families here in Washington and across the country.”

“The bipartisan Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program has enabled children’s hospitals to dramatically increase the pediatric physician pipeline over its 26-year history; however, serious shortages in many pediatric specialties persist,” said Matthew Cook, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Association. “Rep. Schrier’s bill is an important step toward ensuring this critical program continues to boost the pediatric workforce and helping children access the right doctors at the right time.” 

This legislation is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Children’s Hospital Association, and the American Hospital Association.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 7, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), alongside Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), John Rutherford (FL-05), and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), introduced Ellie’s Law—bipartisan legislation that delivers urgently needed federal investment to combat the deadly and often overlooked crisis of brain aneurysms.

Each year, approximately 30,000 Americans suffer a ruptured brain aneurysm—half of those individuals do not survive. Among survivors, nearly two-thirds are left with permanent neurological damage. Aneurysms strike most often between the ages of 35 and 60, but can occur at any age, including in children. Women are disproportionately affected, and African American and Hispanic individuals are at significantly greater risk of rupture.

Yet despite the scale and severity of this crisis, the federal government invests just $2.94 per year for every person affected by a brain aneurysm.

A Direct Response to a Neglected Crisis:

Ellie’s Law authorizes $20 million annually from 2026 through 2030 for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), with funding available through 2033. This investment will:

1. Support comprehensive research into unruptured intracranial aneurysms, with a focus on prevention and early detection.
2. Expand study populations to reflect real-world diversity, specifically addressing disparities across age, sex, and race.
3. Supplement, not supplant, existing research funding to ensure meaningful progress without disruption.

Ellie’s Law is a focused, bipartisan commitment to disrupt that cycle—by equipping researchers with the tools they need to save lives and prevent heartbreak before it happens.

“I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues. Now more than ever, it is critical that we secure funding for the NINDS to conduct and support essential research on brain aneurysms, which stands as one of the most underfunded public health crises in our Nation. With agencies such as the Department of Human and Health Services (HHS) experiencing budget cuts to its workforce and grants, preventing potentially fatal brain aneurysms and combatting long-term medical consequences for brain aneurysm survivors will require significant innovations only meaningful funding can deliver,” said Rep. Clarke. “Ellie’s Law will make huge strides in cementing our long-term commitment for new treatment discoveries to save the lives of patients, who are disproportionately women and African Americans. It’s a privilege to lead this necessary legislation and look forward to it being signed into law.”

“Brain aneurysms are a silent threat—often striking without warning and leaving families shattered in an instant. Despite the devastating toll, federal investment remains shockingly low,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Ellie’s Law is about changing that. It directs the resources necessary to advance early detection, drive breakthroughs in treatment, and confront the racial and gender disparities that persist in outcomes. We have the science. What’s been missing is the commitment. This legislation is how we fix that.”

“I’m proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in reintroducing Ellie’s Law this Congress,” said Rep. Rutherford. “This legislation will support critical research to detect and treat unruptured brain aneurysms. We must continue to raise awareness to better catch the signs of brain aneurysms and save lives.”

“Despite the tragically far-reaching physical, mental, emotional, and financial toll brain aneurysm ruptures have on our communities, they are one of the most underfunded disease research projects in the U.S.,” said Rep. Scanlon. “I’m proud to join Reps. Clarke, Fitzpatrick, and Rutherford in introducing Ellie’s Law to address the deficiency in federal funding for brain aneurysm research, increase the quality of life of survivors and their families, and save lives.”

“More than 1 in 50 Americans have an unruptured and often undetected brain aneurysm. Each year 30,000 people will suffer a rupture, of which half will not survive — and those who do likely to suffer significant long-term disabilities. Ellie’s Law is essential to funding research for better detecting and treating aneurysms and, in turn, preventing their devastating impact on individuals and families and financial impact on health systems and society,” said Christine Buckley, Executive Director of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation

“Ellie’s Law is being reintroduced on a bipartisan basis, reminding us that when we come together—across party lines, communities, and sectors—we can bring real change to the brain aneurysm community. Raising awareness and funding research are vital steps in tackling this devastatingly underfunded disease, and the combined efforts of both private and public funding are critical to progress. Every dollar invested and every voice raised brings us closer to a future where brain aneurysm ruptures are prevented,” said Erin Kreszl, Executive Director of The Bee Foundation for Brain Aneurysm Prevention.

Ellie’s Law is endorsed by: The Brain Aneurysm Foundation (BAF), The Bee Foundation for Brain Aneurysm Prevention (TBF), American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS).

Read the full text here. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Rob Wittman (VA-1) introduced the Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration (Finding ORE) Act to strengthen U.S. mineral security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

Critical minerals are essential to producing technologies for the defense, semiconductor, automotive, and energy sectors—industries that will determine America’s economic future and global influence. Although we have an abundance of domestic mineral resources, demand already outstrips this supply – we must work with allies and partners to achieve mineral security.  Additionally, the U.S. is heavily dependent on China for the production and processing of many key critical minerals.  This bill would leverage the strengths of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in geological mapping of critical mineral reserves while giving U.S. firms a leg up in responsibly developing global mineral resources around the world with strong environmental and labor standards.

This bill builds upon the bipartisan legislation of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) Critical Minerals Working Group, which Reps. Castor and Wittman co-chaired in the 118^th Congress.

“America’s dependence on adversarial nations for critical minerals poses a significant threat to our national security and our clean energy future,” said Representative Castor. “The Finding ORE Act leverages our expertise in geologic mapping to promote the sustainable development of critical mineral supply chains through international partnerships. This legislation will make our nation safer and stronger while supporting our strategic alliances. I’m grateful to my bipartisan colleagues for working together to enhance U.S. leadership in the clean energy transition.”

“Critical minerals and rare earth elements are the building blocks of our modern economy and our national security,” said Representative Wittman. “This bill ensures that the United States can work hand-in-hand with like-minded nations to identify and responsibly develop these essential resources, while strengthening supply chain resilience and promoting American leadership in mineral exploration. Through this bill, we are reinforcing our alliances, building technical capacity, and supporting global standards in responsible mineral development. I’m proud to introduce the Finding ORE Act as a forward-looking solution to this pressing global challenge.” 

“From the technology that powers the cell phones in our pockets to the systems that keep us safe, Americans depend on critical minerals for our economic strength and national security,” said Senator Coons. “The Finding ORE Act makes sure that our nation will have access to the essential materials we need to keep innovating, growing our economy, and deterring our enemies. I’m grateful for the bipartisan and industry support this bill has received and look forward to pushing for its enactment.”

“Many countries are unmapped or reliant on outdated geological surveys. Our bill would create opportunities for collaboration between the United States and these countries to update geological mapping with the goal of locating critical mineral deposits. These partnerships would be mutually beneficial and provide the United States access to more critical minerals, reducing our dependence on China,” said Senator Todd Young.

“We can’t solve climate change or strengthen national security without harnessing the power of critical minerals,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Better and more accurate maps will help us and our allies safely and ethically explore untapped critical mineral deposits.”

“Access to a reliable supply chain of critical minerals is essential to meet our nation’s defense, manufacturing, and energy needs,” said Senator Cornyn. “By shoring up alliances with trusted allies and promoting geological mapping of critical mineral reserves, this legislation would ensure America has the resources needed to keep up with global demand and bolster both our mineral security and national security in the years ahead.”

“The United States has too often watched from the sidelines as our adversaries explored, invested in, and secured the world’s most promising mineral deposits,” said Abigail Hunter, Executive Director of SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy. “This bill changes that. It positions the United States—our geological experts and industry—to help identify and potentially develop the next generation of great deposits. It ensures we show up in resource-rich nations, rather than leaving them to deepen their ties with China.” 

“The American Critical Minerals Association welcomes the bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Finding ORE Act by Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Representatives Wittman and Castor,” said Sarah Venuto, Executive Director of ACMA.  “Expanding our knowledge base of global minerals resources and growing partnerships with our allies will ensure the United States is a leading force in resourcing critical minerals in a responsible way.” 

“Colorado School of Mines commends Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Reps. Wittman and Castor for their bipartisan efforts to leverage U.S. expertise in mineral mapping to support safe, secure, and responsible mineral supply chains,” said Dr. John Bradford, Vice President for Global Initiatives at Colorado School of Mines. “When called upon to contribute, institutions with strong partnerships with USGS, like Colorado School of Mines, seek to support America’s government and industry partners to advance the technology, knowledge, and workforce required to responsibly identify, assess, and produce mineral resources in the U.S. and around the world.”

“BPC Action applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Finding ORE Act. The bill will strengthen U.S. supply chain security by enhancing coordination with allies on critical mineral development, helping secure new critical minerals sources free from adversary control,” said Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).

“Terra AI celebrates this forward-thinking, bi-partisan critical minerals exploration legislation introduced by Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Reps. Wittman and Castor,” said John Mern, CEO of Terra AI. “The Finding ORE Act would empower America’s agencies and private firms to explore and claim the next major deposits of critical minerals which will supply our industries for decades to come; supporting manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and artificial intelligence. We support this act’s unique approach to winning the critical minerals race by leveraging America and Her Allies’ relative advantages — strong diplomatic relations, world-leading technology, and entrepreneurial spirit. This act is the essential early stage first step to establishing US global mineral dominance and winning this generational opportunity.  As a mineral exploration AI company, we see huge value in collaboration between the private sector and our nation’s diplomatic, geologic and financial agencies abroad. It is a winning playbook, and we look forward to seeing more legislation in this area.” 

The Finding ORE Act would authorize the Director of USGS to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOU) with foreign partner countries related to the mapping of critical minerals. The bill identifies four objectives for these MOUs:

• Committing USGS to assist the partner country with a range of critical mineral mapping activities;
• Committing the partner country to offer a right of first refusal to private companies based in the United States or an allied country in the further development of mapped critical minerals;
• Facilitating investment in the development of critical minerals in the partner country, including by leveraging financing from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation and Export-Import Bank;
• Ensuring that mapping data created through a partnership with USGS is not disclosed to governmental or private entities in non-allied countries. 

The bill requires USGS to collaborate with both the State Department and the private sector in identifying which countries to prioritize for the negotiation of an MOU, and would involve the State Department in the negotiation and implementation process.

A one-pager on the bill is available here.

The full text of the bill is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter puts forward bill to make permanent the National Energy Dominance Council

Carter puts forward bill to make permanent the National Energy Dominance Council

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

Stefanik Leads Legislation to Support Plattsburgh International Airport | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) announced members of his staff will host Community Office Hours across Georgia’s 12th District during the month of May.

During these events, members of Congressman Allen’s staff will be available to assist constituents with a variety of federal issues, including help navigating various federal agencies such as FEMA, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Medicare, and others. Congressman Allen himself will not be in attendance.

After the announcement, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

“I invite anyone seeking help with a federal issue to take advantage of the one-on-one services my office provides. If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency, our dedicated caseworkers stand ready to help you. Please visit my team during Community Office Hours in May or contact one of our district offices for more information.”

See below for a list of Community Office Hours dates, times, and locations by county (excluding counties in which Congressman Allen has a permanent office):

Burke County

WHEN: Tuesday, May 20th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: County Commission Boardroom, Burke County Courthouse

111 E. 6th Street

Waynesboro, GA 30830

Candler County

WHEN: Wednesday, May 14th from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Metter City Hall

49 S. Rountree Street

Metter, GA 30439

Columbia County

WHEN: Wednesday, May 7th from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

WHERE: Grovetown City Hall

103 Old Wrightsboro Road

Grovetown, GA 30813

Effingham County

WHEN: Monday, May 5th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Effingham County Board of Commissioners

804 S. Laurel Street

Springfield, GA 31329

Emanuel County

WHEN: Thursday, May 8th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce

102 S. Main Street

Swainsboro, GA 30401

Evans County

WHEN: Wednesday, May 14th from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

WHERE: Claxton City Hall

206 W. Railroad Street

Claxton, Georgia 30417

Glascock County

WHEN: Wednesday, May 14th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Family Connections & Communities in School

370 W. Main Street

Gibson, GA 30810

Jefferson County

WHEN: Wednesday, May 14th from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Community Club House

101 McNair Street

Wrens, GA 30833

Jenkins County

WHEN: Thursday, May 8th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce

548 Cotton Avenue

Millen, GA 30442

Johnson County

WHEN: Monday, May 19th from 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Wrightsville City Hall

8647 S. Marcus Street

Wrightsville, GA 31096

Lincoln County

WHEN: Wednesday, May 7th from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Lincoln County Courthouse

210 Humphrey Street

Lincolnton, GA 30817

McDuffie County

WHEN: Wednesday, May 7th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Thomson-McDuffie Administrative Building

210 Railroad Street

Thomson, GA 30824

Montgomery County

WHEN: Monday, May 5th from 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

WHERE: Montgomery County Courthouse

400 S. Railroad Avenue

Mount Vernon, GA 30445

Screven County

WHEN: Thursday, May 8th from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

WHERE: Screven County Courthouse, Commission Boardroom

216 Mims Road

Sylvania, GA 30467

Tattnall County

WHEN: Wednesday, May 14th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Glennville Welcome Center/Chamber of Commerce

136 S. Veterans Boulevard

Glennville, GA 30427

Treutlen County

WHEN: Monday, May 5th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Treutlen County Commissioners’ Office

1830 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Soperton, GA 30457

Warren County

WHEN: Wednesday, May 7th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Warren County Chamber of Commerce

46 Norwood Street

Warrenton, GA 30828

Washington County

WHEN: Tuesday, May 20th from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

WHERE: Sandersville City Hall

141 W. Haynes Street

Sandersville, GA 31082

Wheeler County

WHEN: Monday, May 5th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Alamo City Hall

7 W. Main Street

Alamo, GA 30411

Wilkes County

WHEN: Wednesday, May 28th from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

WHERE: Washington Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

26 West Square

Washington, GA 30673

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

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), Chair of the Congressional Cambodia Caucus, and Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) reintroduced legislation to designate April 17th as Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day to recognize the anniversary of the fall of Phnom Penh to the Khmer Rouge, which went on to murder nearly 2 million Cambodians. Today marks 50 years since the start of the Cambodian Genocide.
“Today, we commemorate the painful anniversary of the Cambodian genocide, when over a four year period the Khmer Rouge regime murdered nearly two million innocent people. Families were separated, culture and identity were nearly erased, and the pain of that loss continues to echo through generations,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “By dedicating April 17th as Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day, we commit to preserving the memory of those we lost, to educating future generations about the atrocities that occurred, and to standing firm against the rising tide of genocide, authoritarianism, and erosion of human rights.”
“Today marks the 50th anniversary of the start of the Cambodian genocide, where more than two million lives were lost by violence and tyranny, and countless families were forever impacted,” said Congressman Garcia. “Cambodian Americans across the country still carry the weight of this history with strength and resilience. This anniversary is a time to recognize that this history will never be forgotten, and a reminder that we will always stand with the Cambodian community.”
From 1975 to 1979, the Khmer Rouge and its leader Pol Pot engaged in a brutal, systematic genocide of innocent Cambodian citizens. By the time the Khmer Rouge was toppled, nearly 2 million Cambodians were killed, totaling almost 25 percent of the nation’s population. Thousands fled the killing fields for refugee camps in Thailand before being admitted to several nations, including the United States. Today, multiple cities and towns are home to strong, vibrant Cambodian-American communities, including Lowell, Massachusetts and Long Beach, California.
In 2019, Lowell, Long Beach, and Los Angeles passed resolutions proclaiming April 17th as Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day. In 2023, the Massachusetts legislature passed legislation authored by State Representative Vanna Howard, the first Cambodian American woman elected to a state legislature in the nation, to do the same.
“Today, April 17th marks the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian genocide, when the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia and murdered close to 2 million Cambodians over the next four years, including many of my most precious family members,” said State Representative Vanna Howard. “The remembrance is certainly an important acknowledgement of all the survivors in our community. While we recommit ourselves to never forget the lives lost, we must also remain dedicated to ensuring that such an event never happens again, and that Cambodia will return to a free and fair democratic society, sooner than later. As a genocide survivor, I’m very proud the Massachusetts Legislature, for the first time in the history of Massachusetts, passed a House Resolution proclaiming April 17th as Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day.”
“The Cambodian Genocide is a part of our history that we must never forget. The work to uphold democracy in Cambodia is far from over—we must continue striving to keep our people safe and free from fear. On this day of remembrance, we honor the past and commit to moving forward, so we never return to such darkness,” said State Representative Tara Hong.
In 2023, Trahan and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) reintroduced the Cambodia Democracy and Human Rights Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation to hold the Cambodian government accountable for abuses and corruption that undermine democracy and human rights.
Lowell is home to the second largest Cambodian community and the largest Cambodian population per capita of any city or town in the nation. The strong Cambodian-American community in the region has strengthened the local economy and contributed mightily to Lowell’s cultural resurgence. It has also been essential in the election of the first Cambodian American mayor, Sokhary Chau, and Cambodian American members of the City Council, Vesna Nuon and Paul Ratha Yem.
“Congresswoman Lori Trahan has proven to be a true ally and advocate for the Cambodian community. She understands the struggles of immigrants and takes meaningful action to stand with us,” said Councilor Chau. “Like many Cambodian families, mine survived the unimaginable horrors of the Khmer Rouge — the starvation, the forced labor, the fear, and the loss. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian Genocide, this is more than a moment of remembrance. It’s a call to honor our resilience, preserve our history, and empower future generations to carry our legacy forward with pride and strength.”
“As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian genocide, it is important that those of us who survived and found safety and opportunity in the United States never forget the inhumanity of that era. And it is important that we, Cambodians and Cambodian-Americans alike, tell our stories and continue to call for an end to one-party rule and for free and just elections in Cambodia.” said Councilor Nuon.
“Fifty years ago, Cambodia fell into darkness, and over two million lives were lost to the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, we remember the victims, honor the survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to justice, truth, and the enduring strength of the Cambodian people. May their memory guide us toward peace, resilience, and a future where such horrors never happen again,” said Councilor Yem.
A copy of the legislation introduced today can be accessed HERE.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

Today, Rep. Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the continued refusal of the Trump Administration to follow the rule of law.

President Donald Trump is defying the Supreme Court of the United States. This is a constitutional crisis. The legislative and judicial branches have a duty to rein in an executive that overreaches its authority. It is long past time for Congress and the courts to hold the Trump Administration accountable.

The Supreme Court has ordered the Trump Administration to facilitate the release of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia from custody in El Salvador and to ensure the proper handling of his case.

The Trump Administration detained Mr. Abrego Garcia as he picked up his 5-year-old son, then unlawfully deported him and sent him to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador—without due process. Trump’s team has repeatedly lied about Abrego Garcia’s case, despite a Trump official admitting in court that his removal was a mistake. The Administration refuses to correct its error—leaving an innocent man and his family to suffer the consequences.

This is inhumane. This is unjust. This is unconstitutional.

Congress must act. Just three Republican Senators and four Republican House members are needed to join their Democratic colleagues in taking a brave, moral, and constitutional stand to rein in the President’s unchecked power. Mr. Abrego Garcia must be returned to the United States immediately—and the Trump Administration must be reined in.

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