MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) determination that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) improperly issued its final permit decision for the U.S. Wind offshore wind project off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland.

In a letter issued to MDE Secretary Serena McIlwain, the EPA outlined multiple legal errors in the agency’s approval of the US Wind permit, including providing misleading information about the public’s right to appeal under federal law. The EPA is now requiring MDE to reissue the permit in accordance with proper federal procedures, a move that if left uncorrected, could lead to the invalidation of the permit on appeal.

Statement From Congressman Harris:

“The EPA has confirmed what many of us knew for years — this project was approved with glaring procedural and legal flaws. The Maryland Department of the Environment had no business directing the public to appeal a federal permit to a state court, and such a decision showed both incompetence and a disregard for public input from my affected constituents in Worcester County. For many years, my constituents across the First Congressional District have been overwhelmingly clear: they do not want offshore wind off their coast. This ruling is a major victory for the Eastern Shore, the environment, and our local economies that are existentially threatened by this project.”

The EPA letter can be read HERE.
For media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed the House of Representatives in a vote of 218-214 with unanimous support from the Freedom Caucus. The passage of the OBBBA marks a major victory for the American people, President Donald Trump, and the House Freedom Caucus. From day one, HFC Members worked closely with the President, his team, congressional leadership, and conservative colleagues to strengthen this reconciliation package—making it more fiscally responsible and more conservative at every step. We have delivered Republican priorities with Republican votes and ensured Democrats cannot derail the America First agenda.

Historic Border Wins: HFC was an early proponent of providing full border security and immigration enforcement funding in reconciliation. These priorities are now central to the OBBBA. The bill delivers historic investments to finish the border wall, ramp up deportations of illegal aliens, and support critical DHS personnel.

Fiscal Wins: Republicans—led by HFC and fiscal conservatives—achieved over $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction, five times more than originally proposed at the start of this process. This is an historically unprecedented level of spending cuts, and we look forward to working with the White House to continue to cut waste, fraud, and abuse – reining in the Democrats’ out of control spending that fuels inflation. We remain determined to restore pre-pandemic federal spending levels, and there will be more developments on restoring fiscal sanity in the weeks to come.

Ending the Green New Scam: The OBBBA will unleash American energy dominance by ending key “Green New Scam” subsidies for harmful wind and solar projects in President Trump’s term and opening up reliable energy production by reinstating oil and gas lease sales from Alaska to the Gulf of America. In fact, we believe our provisions will stop more than 90 percent of new “green” projects from getting taxpayer subsidies.

Welfare Reform & Work Requirements: Republicans secured major mandatory spending cuts and reforms that conservatives have long sought, such as work requirements in entitlement programs like food stamps and in Medicaid – requirements of which were significantly tightened in negotiations prior to the original House passage of the OBBBA in June. The OBBBA cuts waste, fraud, and abuse in these programs, and takes meaningful steps to ensure that illegal aliens are not receiving benefits funded by federal tax dollars. 

Medicaid: Critically, the OBBBA targets the “money laundering” by states through Medicaid provider taxes, a gimmick states can use to double or even triple their federal reimbursement funding. Many states take advantage of this scam to backfill their own unbalanced budgets and in some cases (e.g., California) use it to provide free healthcare to illegal aliens. The OBBBA phases down the provider tax safe harbor from 6% to 3.5% in Medicaid expansion states to halt this racket. Not only will this save hundreds of billions of dollars, but it will also discourage further growth of Obamacare’s ruinous Medicaid expansion that prioritizes the able-bodied over the most vulnerable Americans.

Tax Cuts: The OBBBA delivers on and expands President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, one of the President’s key campaign promises. This avoids the largest tax hike in history, provides new tax relief for hard-working Americans, and incentivizes economic growth and investment in America. HFC Members also secured key tax wins like ending the taxation of suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and establishing a remittance tax on illegal aliens sending cash abroad. 

Bottom Line: The House Freedom Caucus fought to make this bill better at every stage—and we succeeded. We secured transformational wins for fiscal responsibility, border security, energy independence, welfare reform, and tax relief. We secured significant commitments on continuing to move the ball forward on the American First agenda, and thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the work to dismantle the Swamp’s agenda isn’t finished—it’s just getting started.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Pago Pago — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata was delighted to take part in welcoming home American Samoa’s athletes upon their arrival at Pago Pago International Airport, where they were greeted enthusiastically by their families, friends and supporters. 

“It’s good to have our athletes, coaches, and parents home from competing in the Republic of Palau. Our excellent athletes brought home gold and silver medals and represented our islands very well. We are all proud of their successes and competitive performances, but also all the hours of unseen hard work, training, nutrition efforts and dedication that go into these achievements, and set a good example for young aspiring athletes. Welcome home!” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to our people who came out to the airport to show love and appreciation to our athletes, I could see how they enjoyed and appreciated that warm support.” 

Team American Samoa competed in various sports in the Pacific Mini Games, earning an impressive number of awards, and arrived back to flags, congratulatory signs, and people wearing red, white, and blue in celebration.

More pictures here

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Thanks U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon for Continued Support

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement celebrating U.S. Independence Day:

“Happy Fourth of July! Today we stand with millions of Americans in celebrating the creation of a great and free nation, and commemorating the historic Declaration of Independence that announced a new nation to the world. 

“American Samoa proudly became a part of the United States in 1900, taking part as the U.S. has held a major leadership role in the free world, and working with allies to encourage liberty and human rights around the world. We salute the honorable and patriotic service of thousands of our Toa o Samoa, past and present. Fa’afetai tele to all the brave men and women serving in many places and our military families at home for your sacrifice!

“The founders of the United States in 1776 had a vision for an exceptional nation where the people had God-given rights and the responsibility in determining their own destiny. Our own matai forefathers in 1900 and 1904 had in mind a vision of their own that included long-term protection and freedom for our people. Have a joyous holiday, and may God bless American Samoa and the United States!”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming a grant notice of $830,662 for the American Samoa Department of Health from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This is a new, discretionary grant from the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), covering the year ahead with the rest of a five-year planned project to follow, based on a grant application from ASDOH.

“Thank you to Yolanda Masunu for her work surrounding this grant, and everyone at ASDOH involved in obtaining federal funds and important preventative efforts for our people,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Congratulations to Health Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, and thank you, for the second announcement in a week, for this support from HHS and CDC.”

The grant is to strengthen vaccine and prevention efforts in the territory.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Pago Pago — On June 28, the American Samoan community were welcomed onto the French Navy vessel Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai during its first time in the territory for a reception and tour, hosted by Captain Philippe Dumee. Attendees included the Honorable Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and First Lady, Miss American Samoa, US Coast Guard officers and Congresswoman Amata’s District Office staff.

The Commanding Officer of the Overseas Patrol Vessel further reinforced the France’s oceanic partnerships by stating, “This ship between France and the Pacific is a symbol of our commitment to the region. We are truly grateful for the warm hospitality of our Samoan hosts and honored by the presence of our US Coast Guard partners. Our joint patrols and trainings enhance maritime security across these shared waters. Tonight, we will raise our glasses to friendship, shared purpose and partnership between French Polynesia, American Samoa, and the broader Pacific community.”

The French Navy vessel is named after the Tahitian orator, Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai who led a movement to the Free France and helped other Tahitians join the historic changes to a liberated French empire.

After the ship’s visit in the territory, the Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai is set to return to its homeport in Papeete, Tahiti.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in opposition of Donald Trump’s budget bill that will implement devastating funding cuts to critical services the American people rely on: 

“This bill does not live up to the promises that Republicans made to the American people,” said Espaillat. “Americans were told that the Medicaid program was safe from cuts. Instead, we see provisions that would cause millions of Americans to lose their health care and millions more that will have to pay higher premiums and co-pays. Americans were told that Republicans were putting power back in the hands of the states, but we see policies that would attempt to control how states decide to use their own state funding. Americans were told that this bill would reduce the deficit and restore the middle class. Instead, the bill would allow for millions in tax cuts to the very wealthy and add trillions of dollars to the national debt.  

“Donald Trump and Republicans’ cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act will result in more than 17 million Americans losing their health insurance by 2034, including nearly half a million residents in my district. These cuts will mean fewer people have access to care, as well as strip safety net hospitals and federally qualified health centers that rely on these programs, Medicare and Medicaid, for the services they offer. 

“Today, I stood with the American people and my constituents to vote against this bill and will continue my efforts to combat these and other horrific policies being put forth by Trump Republicans that will negatively impact all of us.”

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), issued the following statement regarding the heinous Supreme Court decision that sets the country on a path to strip away birthright citizenship for U.S. born children across the country. 

“I am appalled at the Supreme Court’s irresponsible decision to allow the Trump Administration to strip birthright citizenship from millions of U.S. born babies within 30 days. Let’s be clear, President Trump is fully responsible for the chaos that will ensue after his executive order takes effect. This is his cruelty and his court. 

“By focusing its attention on the partisan issue of nationwide injunctions, the Supreme Court threatens millions of newborn Americans with statelessness and subjects them to the whims of masked rogue agents that pass as immigration enforcers under Trump. It bears repeating: This administration will have ICE target newborns, and we will fight back.
 
“The chaos that will be wrought on growing families – regardless of the citizenship status of the parents – rests on the shoulders of President Trump and his xenophobic administration, their enablers in Congress and now on their abettors in the Supreme Court. Depending on where they live, parents will be forced to prove their citizenship in the maternity ward. This is blatantly unconstitutional and will split the nation into free states and Trump states.

“This fight is not over. The case must run through the courts on its merits – as multiple judges have made clear, the interpretation of the 14th amendment to the Constitution is not a controversial matter. All persons born in this country – save for the children of foreign diplomats or those born to invading armies – are United States citizens. Period.”

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. 

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

Watch Video Here 

WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), and Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10) today led 37 of their House Democratic colleagues in introducing the ‘No Secret Police Act,’ which would require law enforcement officers and agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) engaged in border security and civil immigration enforcement to clearly display identification and insignia when detaining or arresting individuals and to ban them from using home-made, non-tactical masks.    

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair,Congressman Adriano Espaillat, said, “If you uphold the peace of a democratic society, you should not be anonymous. DHS and ICE agents wearing masks and hiding identification echoes the tactics of secret police authoritarian regimes – and deviates from the practices of local law enforcement, which contributes to confusion in communities. Many immigrants come to America seeking opportunities, hope, and freedom to escape draconian practices, and under no circumstance should they, or anyone, fear being disappeared by masked and armed individuals in unmarked vehicles. If you are upholding the law, you should not be anonymous. Our bill aims to safeguard from tyranny while upholding the values of our nation.”  

“As a former federal prosecutor for ten years, I have worked alongside ICE and DHS agents to get violent criminals off our streets – and none of them ever wore masks,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “Across the country, plain-clothed federal agents in homemade face coverings are lying in wait outside immigration courts to snatch law-abiding, non-violent immigrants going through our legal system the right way. This isn’t about protecting law enforcement, it’s about terrorizing immigrant communities. The United States is not a dictatorship, and I’m proud to introduce this commonsense legislation ensuring that our federal government’s laws are enforced by identifiable human beings, not anonymous, secret agents of the state.”  

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition, said, “Armed, unmarked federal agents are stalking immigrants outside courtrooms and targeting people who are following the rules and fighting for their lives. These tactics are ripped straight from an authoritarian playbook. Let’s call it what it is: a war on immigrant communities carried out in the shadows  — it’s an unconstitutional campaign of terror. We will not be silenced nor intimidated by these actions. We are on the right side of the law and we will fight tooth and nail to end this assault on our people and our democracy. We call for the swift passage of the No Secret Police Act.”  

Natalia Aristizabal, Deputy Director of Make the Road New York, said, “ICE, and the hodgepodge of federal agencies Trump is getting to execute his war on immigrants, are terrorizing immigrant communities. They blatantly disregard people’s rights and take people from their jobs, homes and streets, all while masked and unidentified. This must stop. ICE must answer to the people, and must identify themselves and the agencies they work for. This bill would be a step towards reigning in their out of control and rogue behavior, and Congress should swiftly pass it into law.”  

The No Secret Police Act would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require law enforcement officers and agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to clearly display identification and insignia when detaining or arresting individuals. Specifically, the bill would require that DHS officers:   

·       Are prohibited from wearing face coverings or any item that conceals their face during detentions or arrests.   

·       Identify the specific component of DHS (e.g., ICE, CBP) they work for.  
 

·       Wear or display official insignia or uniforms in a manner clearly visible to others.  
 

·       The bill also directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology and in coordination with relevant departmental components, to conduct research and development to enhance the visibility of law enforcement officers’ official insignia or uniforms. This includes developing technologies that ensure these identifiers remain clearly visible during detentions or arrests, particularly under varying conditions such as different locations, times of day, and weather circumstances.

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. 

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov