MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks at the House Committee on Appropriations Full Committee Markup of the FY 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill on his amendment to provide $500 million to support Ukraine. Below are videos and transcripts of his remarks:

Click here to watch a video of his first set of remarks.
Click here to watch a video of his second set of remarks.

First Set of Remarks

“Mr. Chairman, as I started to say, at the beginning [of] I think maybe it was this session or our last session of Congress the majority renamed the name of this committee as the National Security Committee, I think that’s accurate. I think this does deal with the national security – I think this amendment deals directly with the national security of this country. And I want to thank the Ranking Member for her leadership and strong support on this issue, as well as my colleague, Representative Kaptur and Mr. Quigley, who are very strongly in favor of Ukraine. I also want to thank the Subcommittee for including the important language in Section 7047, which I believe has been carried before. That language says that we will not support any country that aids and abets the illegal takeover of Crimea and such other territories, as they have taken over in Ukraine. Our failure in the West to respond decisively to the taking of Crimea initially – and I say the West, not just the United States – was, in my opinion, the mother of this war in Ukraine today.

“When Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine four years ago, Russian media predicted its democratic government would fall in three days. Now, 1,524 days later, Ukraine is still holding the line and even making gains to [liberate] territory. The nation’s military is fighting not only Ukraine’s war for independence, it is fighting for all who believe in freedom, self-determination, and international law. Ukrainians have developed ingenious military technologies and are leading on drone technology on their own behalf, some of which is now helping our forces become more capable and better prepared. Mr. Chairman, Ukraine is surviving and holding its own. [In] no small part because of the military and financial support of its allies, including the United States.

“Since the war began, we have appropriated money towards Ukraine’s battle for freedom. This included both direct aid to Ukraine as well as funding for associated U.S. military operations in Europe. When we enacted the last supplemental appropriation – now hear me, ladies and gentlemen – it was April 23rd [2024]. We have not acted for 24 months on appropriating funds for Ukraine. In fact, [on] over 12 votes that we’ve had – on every vote that we’ve had to support Ukraine, we’ve had over 300 votes. And on almost every one of those votes, the majority of Republicans and the unanimous, unanimous Democrats voted to support Ukraine financially and in every other way. In fact, [in] over 12 votes, 80% of the members have voted to support Ukraine. There’s an [undeniable] bipartisan will to stand with the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom.  Now, in the FY 2027 defense authorization bill, we have put $800 million for Ukraine to be allocated in [Fiscal Years] 2026 and 2027. This bill allocates – that was an authorization – this appropriates $500 million, which – I will point out to the Chairman – is not more money in the bill. It is a portion of the National Security Investment Program of $6.9 billion, of which about $700 million is allocated in the bill, leaving some five point plus billion dollars available. This is $500 million, for Ukraine.

“America needs to speak. It needs to speak for those troops that are in the field. It needs to speak for those 28,000 people in the military who have been either injured or killed since April 23rd of 2024. In FY 2026, our committee allocated $6.76 billion to [the] National Security Investment Program. It is now at $6.9 billion, and I suggest to you this is a critical action for the United States of America to take. We have been silent, voiceless on any additional resources to Ukraine for 24 months. Is that sending a signal to the world of America’s leadership on behalf of freedom and security? I think not. It is an uncertain trumpet that we have been sounding. We must remain steadfast on behalf of Ukraine. Make no mistake: a defeat for Putin is a victory for America and for all free people around the world, and a victory for Ukraine is a reminder to those who would use violence to seize territory that it is a [losing] proposition, because the free world stands together on behalf of Ukraine.

“For 1,524 days, I’ve worn this pin [of the] Ukrainian flag as a signal of my continuing support. This is a [signal] of our continuing support of the Congress of the United States for freedom, international law, and democracy. I pray that you will make an exception to unanimous opposition to amendments and support this amendment for our country, for the Ukrainian men and women who are bravely fighting for their freedom and their national integrity. I yield back.”

Second Set of Remarks

“Republicans voted to authorize an additional $800 million 197 to 18. That really didn’t do anything other than say we’re going to authorize some expenditures. From that point to this, 24 months have gone by, and we have not done that. What that has done to the morale of the Ukrainians, I can’t quantify, but it hasn’t been good. I came to Congress in 1981, and I stood with Ronald Reagan against many of the people in my district for the MX missile, for the deployment of armor in Europe that the Russians didn’t think we would do. I stood with the gentleman from Florida, my good friend, on behalf of democracy in Cuba. My friend is shaking his head ‘Yes.’ I believe in standing up for freedom here and around the world, and I believe that 24 months of inaction is not doing so. Again, 197 to 18, you voted for this authorization. Was that an empty promise to the people of Ukraine and to the world on behalf of our security? I hope not. 12 votes, over 300 members of the Congress, the House of Representatives said, ‘Yes, we are going to support freedom, democracy and oppose the breaking of international law and Putin’s authoritarianism.’ I know I’ve gone over time; 24 months waiting is over time.

“Do not make this a partisan vote. Do not make this a vote that says, no, we’re not going to follow up on that which we voted 197 to 18 on your side of the aisle. I plead with you for the people of Ukraine and for the United States being a partner that can be counted on. Mr. Chairman, this committee needs to speak. The Congress needs to speak for democracy, for freedom, and not in a partisan way. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, $500 million, and I – with all due respect to the Chairman of the [subcommittee], I would say in your report, you set aside $517 million for certain objectives set up for Jordan. This will not adversely affect that because you have clearly enough money for half $1 billion. And ladies and gentlemen, a half $1 billion is one day’s expenditure – half of one day’s expenditure in Iran. This is not enough, but it is at least the Congress saying, ‘We’re still with you.’ Please vote for Ukraine. Vote for American reliability. I yield back.”

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) attended an address by Britain’s King Charles III to a joint session of Congress today and made the following statement:

“King Charles underscored the shared values of our two countries while invoking our long history of mutual aid and consistent moral support. I found it particularly helpful that the King reminded his audience of our nations’ decades-long commitment to a strong NATO alliance. It was important for some in the Chamber to hear him confirm Britain’s and our continued strong support for Ukraine in its war against the genocidal threat from our common Russian foe. It was encouraging to hear the King use his considerable influence as an advocate for the environment that serves us all to call attention to the need to address climate change. It was refreshing to hear his endorsement of our common dedication to protections for peoples of all faiths or no faith, and for his respect for the American people.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

St. Helena, CA – Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Christina Benz was chosen as the 2026 Napa County Climate Crisis Champion. Each year, Rep. Thompson recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

“Ms. Benz has made a real impact on our community through her work strengthening and building organizations dedicated to sustainability,” said Thompson. “Ms. Benz helps to organize and plan the Napa Climate Summit each year, regularly contributes to the Napa Valley Register’s Climate Connections column to inform our community of ways to take action, and even drafted part of the Climate Change and Sustainability provision in the 2040 City of Napa General Plan. I am honored to name Chris Benz a  Climate Crisis Champion.”

Rep. Thompson was honored to award this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of our five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all. 

This year’s venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land.

A complete list of 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

• Luis Santana – Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
• Christina Benz – Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
• Sean McNamara – Solano County Climate Crisis Champion
• Richard Dale – Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion
• Dr. Ruihong Zhang – Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

St. Helena, CA – Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Luis Santana was chosen as the 2026 Lake County Climate Crisis Champion. Each year, Rep. Thompson recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

“Mr. Santana is the definition of a climate champion,” said Thompson. “In his role as Fish and Wildlife Director of Robinson Rancheria Danoxa Fish and Wildlife Department, Mr. Santana has secured millions of dollars of funding and thousands of hours in human resources to ensure that Lake County remains sustainable and healthy. He’s successfully integrated traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches and works with everyone from tribal partners and property owners to government agencies and academic institutions to help protect our environment. I am honored to name Luis Santana a Climate Crisis Champion.”

Rep. Thompson was honored to award this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of our five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all. 

This year’s venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land.

A complete list of 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

• Luis Santana – Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
• Christina Benz – Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
• Sean McNamara – Solano County Climate Crisis Champion
• Richard Dale – Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion
• Dr. Ruihong Zhang – Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

St. Helena, CA – Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Sean McNamara was chosen as the 2026 Solano County Climate Crisis Champion. Each year, Rep. Thompson recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

“Mr. McNamara is a real leader when it comes to regenerative farming,” said Thompson. “Mr. McNamara manages Sierra Orchards, the largest regenerative organic walnut farm in the world, where he’s integrated new, sustainable farming methods like using sheep grazing instead of relying on pesticides, creating an orchard recycling program in lieu of open burning, and composting agricultural waste instead of discarding it. Under his leadership, Sierra Orchards uses 30 percent less water and 50 percent less diesel than conventionally farmed walnut operations. I am honored to name Mr. McNamara a Climate Crisis Champion.”

Rep. Thompson was honored to award this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of our five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all. 

This year’s venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land.

A complete list of 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

• Luis Santana – Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
• Christina Benz – Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
• Sean McNamara – Solano County Climate Crisis Champion
• Richard Dale – Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion
• Dr. Ruihong Zhang – Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

St. Helena, CA – Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Dr. Ruihong Zhang was chosen as the 2026 Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion. Each year, Rep. Thompson recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

“Dr. Zhang has helped transform the ecological health of Yolo County through her research,” said Thompson. “Dr. Zhang led the charge to develop the UC Davis Renewable Energy Anaerobic Digester (READ) which converts 20 to 50 tons of waste into renewable energy and biofertilizers every day, diverting 20,000 tons of waste from local landfills each year. Through her work developing READ, Dr. Zhang has helped to both protect our climate by disposing of waste sustainably and benefit our economy by providing cheap electricity, fuel, and fertilizer. I am honored to name Dr. Ruihong Zhang a Climate Crisis Champion.”

Rep. Thompson was honored to award this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of our five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all.

This year’s venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land.

A complete list of 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

• Luis Santana – Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
• Christina Benz – Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
• Sean McNamara – Solano County Climate Crisis Champion
• Richard Dale – Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion
• Dr. Ruihong Zhang – Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Judy Chu (CA-28), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) to introduce a resolution to formally recognize April as Sikh History Month. This bipartisan resolution honors Sikh Americans’ faith, heritage, service, and contributions to our nation. April is a particularly meaningful time for this recognition, as it often coincides with Vaisakhi, a major observance commemorating the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.

“As co-founder and co-chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I’m honored to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan resolution to designate April as Sikh History Month,” said Congressman Valadao. “This effort is an important opportunity to highlight the core principles of the Sikh faith—earning an honest living, remembering God, and sharing with others—while also recognizing the strong tradition of service that defines the Sikh community. This resolution is an important step toward religious tolerance for all, and I’m proud to support it.”

“Sikh Americans have strengthened this nation through faith, service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “In working with Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu of Bensalem and members of our PA-1 Sikh community, I have seen how deeply Sikh principles of equality, religious freedom, honest work, courage, and service reflect the best of the American spirit. This resolution is about honoring that legacy, deepening understanding, and ensuring the Sikh American story is told with the accuracy, respect, and gratitude it deserves—as an essential part of the American story.”

“As the founder of the Congressional American Sikh Caucus, I am proud to help lead this bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Sikh History Month,” said CAPAC Chair Emerita Judy Chu. “The Sikh principles of equality, social justice, and community service inspire me as a public servant, and should guide us all as we embrace the diversity of our country and strive to create a more peaceful world. By uplifting the Sikh community and faith, we can continue to fight against harmful religious misunderstanding and discrimination through understanding and education.”

“The Sikh community embodies the core values of both Jersey and the United States — equality, justice, and service to others — while making significant contributions across business, technology, education, the arts, the military, and public service,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “I’m proud to co-introduce the Sikh History Month resolution to recognize this community’s heritage and contributions to our great nation.”

This resolution advances several key goals, including:

1. Recognizing the history, culture, heritage, and contributions of the Sikh community;
2. Highlighting Sikhism’s core principles of equality, social justice, community service, and human dignity;
3. Promoting education about Sikh identity, history, and articles of faith;
4. Encouraging public programs, classroom discussions, and cultural events to foster awareness and respect;
5. Honoring Sikh Americans’ contributions through military service, entrepreneurship, humanitarian relief, civic leadership, and advocacy for human rights; and
6. Reaffirming America’s commitment to religious liberty, pluralism, and the freedom of all people to live their faith openly and with dignity. 

This resolution is supported by American Sikh Caucus Committee, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, United Sikhs, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast, Sikh Youth Alliance Inc (NJ), Sikhs for Justice, and Jakara Movement.

“We thank the American Sikh Congressional Caucus and especially Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for their leadership on this important resolution. Sikh Americans deeply cherish the economic, religious, and political freedoms that this country extends to all. The founding of the Khalsa is a reminder of the duty to stand for liberty, serve others, and keep working together to build a more perfect Union. This resolution honors the contributions Sikh Americans have made for generations and affirms that our community’s history, service, and aspirations are an enduring part of the American promise,” said Dr. Pritpal Singh, American Sikh Caucus Committee.

“In April, Sikhs in Gurdwaras across the world commemorate the founding of the Khalsa, when our tenth Guru codified enduring values of equality, freedom, justice, self-reliance, and service. We are deeply thankful to live in the United States, where we are free to practice these principles and pass them to future generations. We are grateful to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for advancing this resolution and for recognizing that Sikh Americans—who have been here since the late 1800s—have long served this nation with distinction in the military, in federal and state law enforcement, in farming, in medicine, in business, and in our neighborhoods. We pray that people of all faiths, including members of our community around the world, may enjoy the same freedoms and dignity that we cherish here in America,” said Gurdev Singh Nannan, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC).

“We appreciate Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for championing this resolution and recognizing the place of Sikh Americans in the life of this nation. Sikh values call us to serve humanity, and that commitment has guided humanitarian relief efforts, community support, and advocacy for those in need across the United States and around the world. This resolution is a meaningful acknowledgment of a community that is proud to be American, grateful for this country’s freedoms, and committed to serving all people with compassion and dignity,” said Hardayal Singh, United Sikhs.

“This resolution affirms what Sikh Americans have known for generations: our history is part of the American story, and we are profoundly grateful for the freedom to live our faith, serve our neighbors, and contribute to this country we proudly call home,” said Himmat Singh, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast.

“Education, awareness and dialogue on culture, history and heritage are central to combat ignorance, bigotry and discrimination against the Sikh community. I commend Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing this landmark resolution for designating the month of April as ‘Sikh History Month’ as it holds special significance on the birth of Sikh identity. By designating April as Sikh History Month, the awareness and education about the contribution of Sikhs through service, entrepreneurship, military service, advocacy of human rights and the awareness on culture, history and heritage through schools, universities and public institutions, can be included in the broader narrative of American society,” said Bhupindar Singh, Sikh Youth Alliance Inc (NJ).

“Sikhism is a monotheistic egalitarian religion, its teachings promote equal rights, religious freedom, human equality, with emphasis on gender equality.  Sikhism’s three fundamental principles are remembering God, working hard, and sharing with and caring for others, as well as community service and ending the caste system. It believes in protecting the weak and stopping the tyrants. Sikhs in their daily prayer wish for the wellness of the whole human race. I would like to thank Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for leading this important legislation,” said Bakhshish Singh Sandhu, MD, co-founder of Sikhs for Justice, and President of the Council of Khalistan.

“We are grateful to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for introducing this important resolution and for helping elevate Sikh American history and identity. At Jakara, we see every day how education, youth engagement, and interfaith outreach can build stronger bridges across communities. Sikh History Month is an opportunity not only to recognize the contributions of Sikh Americans, but also to deepen mutual understanding and bring people of different backgrounds together in a spirit of respect, service, and shared citizenship,” said Gurjit Singh, Jakara Movement.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

NSRP Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart said, “Responsible spending and a clear focus on national security have guided our work in this subcommittee over the past several years. The Fiscal Year 2027 NSRP legislation builds on that approach by advancing key national interests and ensuring disciplined use of taxpayer dollars. With the committee advancing this legislation, we are moving forward in our effort to strengthen U.S. security while maintaining responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

This progress has been possible thanks to the leadership of Chairman Tom Cole and the continued support of my colleagues. Together, we have achieved an $11.7 billion reduction in total spending since Republicans took control, reaffirming our commitment to the American people–– putting U.S. interests first, strengthening accountability, and directing every dollar toward a clear purpose.”

Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, “The world is not standing still – and neither will American leadership. The FY27 NSRP bill delivers a decisive response with a disciplined, results-driven strategy that prioritizes the safety, strength, and prosperity of the United States. It draws a clear line: no more unfocused spending, no more blank checks, and no more policies that fail to deliver. We are directing resources to the highest-impact national security and economic priorities, reinforcing our alliances, and pushing back decisively against adversaries like Communist China and Iran. By cutting wasteful programs and demanding accountability from our partners, this legislation ensures every investment is used with purpose. Under Chairman Díaz-Balart’s leadership, we are putting America first and asserting strength where it matters most. With our third bill reported out of full committee, we are continuing to move with purpose – and advancing Article I and the mandate of our great nation.”

FISCAL YEAR 2027 NATIONAL SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL

The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $47.32 billion, which is $2.69 billion (6%) below the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level and continues to deliver on the America First agenda.

Within the total cuts, the NSRP bill maintains robust funding for our allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan, and counters adversaries like Communist China, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and drug cartels, including those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill supports the President’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while ensuring all funds are spent consistent with relevant Executive Orders.

Champions America First Foreign Policy by:

• Redefining foreign assistance to promote self-sufficiency, bolster economic growth and stability, and protect our national security.
• Providing increased funds for the America First Opportunity Fund to ensure the Secretary of State has the flexibility to quickly respond to unforeseen opportunities to advance the America First foreign policy agenda.
• Requiring consideration of a recipient partner country’s cooperation on United States priorities such as migration issues, opposition to foreign adversaries, burden sharing, support for Taiwan’s participation in multilateral forums, and the United Nations votes in determining economic assistance allocations.
• Prioritizing United States commercial interests, helping to create opportunities for American businesses abroad.
• Prohibiting funds for organizations who may have hired terrorists that took part in the October 7th, 2023, mass atrocities – including the murder of 50 Americans since the initial attack – but refuse to cooperate with United States Inspector General investigations.

Supports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by:

• Upholding America First priorities by promoting a foreign policy that supports our allies and counters our adversaries, focusing on the economic prosperity and national security of the United States, and eliminating contributions to multilateral organizations that are wasteful and antithetical to American values.
• Supporting President Trump’s executive orders to ensure no wasteful spending on DEI or woke programming, climate change mandates, or divisive gender ideologies.
• Prioritizing funding and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States.

Protects life, supports American values, and enhances our standing in the world by:

• Protecting long-standing pro-life provisions as well as enhancing oversight and transparency over program implementation to ensure American taxpayer dollars will not fund abortions.
• Removing vague references to “gender” and clearly outlines our support for women and girls.
• Supporting religious freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for faith-based organizations delivering foreign aid.
• Defending United States sovereignty by prohibiting funds for the Arms Trade Treaty, and protecting the Second Amendment rights of Americans.
• Banning so-called “disinformation” and “misinformation” programs that violate the free speech rights of American citizens.
• Allowing only the American flag and other official flags to be flown over United States embassies and consulates.
• Holding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith, including by restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence.
• Confronting human trafficking by prohibiting funding for countries and organizations that continue benefiting from human trafficking of Cuban medical doctors, while directing the Secretary of State to pull visas for officials involved in such practices.

Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:

• Providing unwavering support for Israel by including no less than $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds.
• Providing robust assistance to Egypt and Jordan, two key U.S. partners.
• Including $500 million for the Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan to strengthen deterrence across the Taiwan Strait, and $200 million in military assistance for the Philippines, as well as availability of Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees for such purpose.
• Fully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million.
• Providing $1.8 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific to counter the PRC’s malign influence.
• Barring funds for the PRC and the Chinese Communist Party by prohibiting—funds for countries to repay debt owed to China,
• funds for international financial institutions generating loans to the PRC.
• Prohibiting assistance to individuals or entities that support, finance, or facilitate the operations or commercial activities of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, or their affiliates.
• Promoting freedom and national security in the Western Hemisphere.

Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by:

• Prioritizing fiscal sanity and the elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse by strategically investing in partners to help them achieve durable and sustainable goals consistent with United States national security interests.
• Supporting efforts to reduce duplication, eliminate siloes, and streamline foreign policy under the direction of the Secretary of State to support a nimble and effective Department.
• Eliminating funding for unauthorized programs, organizations, or functions.
• Eliminating funding for Biden-era executive orders on climate, gender, DEI, and extraneous or irrelevant programs that diluted the mission of America’s foreign policy.
• Prohibiting funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
• Prioritizing diplomatic engagement to favorably resolve commercial disputes abroad and to promote American business interests overseas.
• Refocusing attention on critical diplomatic functions, such as addressing passport applications and ensuring the safety and security of our embassies.

A summary of the bill is available here.

Bill text is available here.

Click here to watch the Full Committee Markup.

View the Congressman’s Remarks here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Ben Cline (VA-06) introduced a resolution to recognize April as Undiagnosed Awareness Month and April 29th as Undiagnosed Day. An estimated 25 million Americans live with rare, ultra-rare, and undiagnosed conditions. Since 2014, the National Institutes of Health and the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) – a network of over 24 clinical and research sites across the country at premier medical institutions and universities – have discovered 97 previously unknown diseases, made over 1,000 diagnoses, and continue to deliver answers at the cutting edge of biomedical research.

“The struggle, sacrifice, and advocacy of the patients and families suffering from undiagnosed diseases must be acknowledged and recognized,” said Congressman Pocan. “Bringing awareness to the millions of Americans undergoing this difficult diagnostic journey is a small but critical step towards building community for those seeking answers, and towards driving better outcomes and research for undiagnosed diseases. I’m thankful to Rep. Cline for joining me in leading this resolution to recognize April as Undiagnosed Awareness Month and April 29th as Undiagnosed Day.”

“Millions of Americans live with rare and undiagnosed conditions that can often take countless scans, tests, doctors’ visits, and years to identify,” said Rep. Cline. “It is important to bring awareness to the hardships of patients and their families suffering from undiagnosed diseases. I am proud to co-lead a bipartisan resolution to acknowledge and recognize the sacrifice, advocacy, and endurance of patients with undiagnosed diseases.”

“Every patient and family deserves the dignity of feeling heard, respected and cared for, including those living with an undiagnosed condition. Despite nearly 1 in 10 people in the United States being impacted by a rare, ultra-rare, or undiagnosed condition they are often isolated and invisible. The journey to a diagnosis is long, traumatic, and costly. Patients often see dozens of doctors and undergo countless tests, spending 5-7 years or even much longer before getting any answers. Recognition of Undiagnosed Month will not only bring awareness but will drive progress, ensuring that the research, diagnostic, and care needs for this community are understood and addressed,” saidDanielle Carnival, Ph.D., CEO, Undiagnosed Diseases Network Foundation.

Cosponsors of the resolution include: Pocan (WI-02), Cline (VA-06), Norton (DC-AL), Rutherford (FL-05)

Text of the resolution can be found here. 

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

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) issued the statement below following the Trump administration’s announcement that it is paying $120 million in taxpayer dollars to effectively cancel one of the offshore wind projects in Morro Bay.

“I am outraged by this backwards decision to sabotage the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area. In Congress, I championed these projects because they represented a clear win-win-win for the Central Coast. The projects strengthened our energy security, boosted local economic growth, and advanced important environmental protections. Because of a bizarre personal vendetta against wind energy, Donald Trump’s administration is turning a historic opportunity into a historic failure. Beyond the strategic failure of this policy decision, today’s announcement also represents a staggering waste of taxpayer dollars. I won’t let this extreme federal overreach and pressure go unchallenged, and I will continue to fight for the Central Coast’s right to build a greener economy.”

Background on Congressman Carbajal’s Work on Offshore Wind:

Congressman Carbajal has been a champion for offshore wind throughout his time in office.

The Morro Bay Offshore Wind Energy Area is the product of negotiations conducted by Rep. Carbajal’s Offshore Wind Working Group, which was created in August 2019 to coordinate between federal, state, and local partners and is composed of representatives from the offices of Rep. Carbajal and Rep. Panetta (D-CA-19), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Department of Defense (DOD), Department of the Navy, and California Energy Commission (CEC). 

Negotiations had previously stalled amid hesitation from the Navy, until Rep. Carbajal offered an amendment to the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act in order to move the development forward off of Morro Bay and get negotiations back on track.

Following the amendment’s passage in the House, Carbajal secured a written commitment from the Navy indicating a willingness to collaborate with the Working Group to identify an area for development that would meet energy production goals.

As a result of these efforts and support from other local stakeholders and officials, Rep. Carbajal and Biden Administration leaders unveiled an agreement in May 2021 to allow offshore wind development off the coast of Morro Bay.

The lease sites for this and other areas off the California coast were announced in 2022.