MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Adam Gray (D-CA) in urging the Administration to follow through on its promise to deliver high-speed internet to rural communities through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. 

In a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, the lawmakers expressed concerns about the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) recent guidance that could set back broadband deployment in rural areas.

“We remain committed to ensuring the BEAD Program delivers on its promise to strengthen the U.S. economy and connect rural Americans with the opportunities enabled by high-speed internet,” the Members wrote. “However, recent guidance from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) raises concerns that the program could be slowed just as states are gaining momentum.” 

“This program was intended to strengthen underserved areas by providing the highest-performance and most scalable networks, so they can compete in the modern economy,” the Members continued. “In many of our districts, higher deployment costs are a reality. A one-size-fits all model puts rural communities at a disadvantage.

The Members concluded, “We urge NTIA to preserve the program’s original intent while streamlining deployment efforts to avoid further disruptions.”

As a co-chair of the Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus, Rep. Craig has led the effort to connect Minnesota’s rural communities to high-speed internet. 

Last Congress, Rep. Craig led a group of Members in urging Speaker Johnson to take action to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provided 23 million American households – and over 244,000 Minnesota households – with access to affordable high-speed internet. She later introduced the Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act to increase funding for federal broadband accessibility programs like the ACP, which expired in June of 2024.

Last year, she secured a $1 million federal investment to improve internet access in Le Sueur County, Minnesota.

You can read the full text of the letter here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – As part of her continued efforts to fight corruption and reform Washington, U.S. Representative Angie Craig joined Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ) in introducing the No Shorting America Act to restore transparency to Congress and prevent lawmakers from using insider information to short-sell American companies. 

Their bipartisan bill would prohibit Members of Congress and their families from profiting off the downfall of American companies, require Members of Congress to report stock investments to the supervising ethics office and prevent conflicts of interest by allowing the Attorney General to impose a fine of up to $50,000 if a Member is found short-selling American companies.

“Too many Minnesotans don’t trust that their representatives are working for them, and that’s because for too long, Members of Congress have been able to use their positions for personal gain,” said Rep. Craig (MN-02). “Since I was elected to the House of Representatives, I’ve been working to clean up Washington and increase transparency in Congress. I’m proud to be introducing this bipartisan bill with Rep. Kean to hold Members of Congress accountable and ensure they aren’t using insider information to play the stock market.” 

Since she came to Congress, Rep. Craig has led the charge to fight corruption and restore integrity to Washington, DC. 

She recently reintroduced her NO STOCK Resolution, which would require Members of Congress to immediately sell their individual stocks and refrain from future stock ownership while in office.

Earlier this month, Rep. Craig joined her colleagues in introducing the End Corruption Now legislative agenda, which aims to confront political corruption and clean up government by introducing six bills that will put power back in the hands of the American people. These bills will prevent the President, Executive Branch officials, and Members of Congress from personally benefiting from their offices.

As part of the End Corruption Now agenda, Rep. Craig reintroduced her Restoring Integrity to Democracy Resolution to ban Members of the House from serving on corporate boards while serving in office.

Earlier this Congress, she reintroduced her Halt Unchecked Member Benefits with Lobbying Elimination (HUMBLE) Act — a broader package of reforms that would ban Members of Congress from owning or trading individual stocks, prohibit the use of taxpayer funds for first-class airline tickets, prevent Members from serving on corporate boards while they are in Congress, eliminate access to Members-only perks for former Members and eliminate automatic pay raises for Members of Congress. Rep. Craig first introduced the HUMBLE Act during her first term in Congress in 2019.

You can read Rep. Craig’s No Shorting America Act here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig took to the House floor to honor the late Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, who were killed in Minnesota earlier this month in a politically motivated attack. Rep. Craig remembered the Hortmans as a force for good, who were deeply involved in their community. She also acknowledged State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who nearly lost their lives in the attack. 

“Anyone who knew Melissa and Mark knew that together, they were a force for good,” Rep. Craig said. “Melissa was a dedicated public servant, and both she and her husband devoted their lives to improving the lives of Minnesotans.”

Rep. Craig also took the opportunity to condemn the inflammatory political rhetoric that played a role in the attack and encouraged Minnesotans to find common ground with one another. 

“It is still difficult to comprehend the violent attacks on the Hortmans and Hoffmans, but what I do know is that we got here in part because of the divisive rhetoric that we have allowed to seep into our politics and into our communities,” said Rep. Craig. “It will take our entire community coming together. We must hold ourselves and each other accountable. It’s the only way forward, and it’s how we honor the legacy of Melissa and Mark.”

You can watch Rep. Craig’s full remarks here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure our troops are wearing high quality, safe and reliable footwear as part of their uniforms. The Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act would expand current uniform regulations to ensure the combat boots worn by our servicemembers are entirely manufactured in America and made with U.S.-sourced materials thus strengthening our national security and creating good-paying jobs. 

U.S. Representative Jared Golden (D-ME-02), a Marine Corps. combat veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), is an original sponsor of companion legislation in the House.

“Our military depends on the availability, accessibility, safety and quality of the uniforms worn by our servicemembers,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan BOOTS Act will ensure that all combat boots and parts worn by the American military are made in the USA—both boosting our domestic economy and ensuring the safety of the boots supply chain. Thank you to my colleagues for putting our servicemembers first.”

“Requiring our servicemembers’ combat boots to be produced in the United States with American materials improves military readiness and strengthens our defense industrial base,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would help avoid supply disruptions in times of crisis, create more jobs and investment domestically, and better outfit our nation’s troops.”

“American warfighters should be supplied American gear, including footwear,” said Representative Golden. “Ensuring domestic suppliers are first in line to provide equipment to our service members is good for troops, good for the jobs, and good for domestic manufacturing. I’m proud to cosponsor the BOOTs Act to provide American-made footwear to the men and women who volunteer to defend America.”

The BOOTS Act would mandate that all optional combat boots worn by U.S. military servicemembers are Berry Amendment-compliant, or 100 percent made in the United States with U.S.-sourced materials. The current loophole has allowed for a major increase in low quality, foreign-made boots and has led to a significant decline in demand from American companies, which in turn reduces domestic manufacturing capabilities and undermines the domestic defense supply chain. In the event of a major conflict, the current clothing and textile supply chain would be too fragile to meet demand.

This legislation is endorsed by A&E, American Sole, Belleville Boot Co., Draper Knitting, Emtex Global, G-Form, Glacial Lakes Rubber and Plastics, Grassland Stamping, Hope Global Manufacturing, Mississippi TanTec, McRae Footwear, Meramec, Meridian, Milliken, New Balance Athletics, PolyLabs, Rubberlite, Signet Mills, SX Industries, Thorogood, Unifi, Vibram Corporation, W.L. Gore and Associates, Worthen Industries, YKK USA, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), U.S. Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA) and Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC).

“The BOOTs Act closes a gap in the Berry Amendment by requiring all military footwear sold through Department of Defense exchanges to be domestically sourced. Currently, foreign-made boots undermine military readiness and disadvantage American manufacturers, weakening the U.S. supply chain. This commonsense change ensures uniform consistency, reduces confusion for servicemembers, and supports the domestic industrial base as manufacturers rebuild capacity,” said Bill McCann, Executive Director of the United States Footwear Manufactures Association.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

So-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ hurts the working poor and undermines America’s future to pay for tax cuts for the rich

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

There are no words to express the deep and sincere grief that our nation has endured over the last week. Homes uprooted and washed away, property damaged beyond repair, and hearts broken by the grief of the loss of a child or loved one. In the aftermath of the natural disaster which occurred in the Texas Hill Country last week, countless families and communities have experienced a tremendous and unimaginable loss that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark, and my prayers are most certainly with everyone involved.

In the shadow of loss and devastation, however, the American spirit remains steadfast. In every chapter of our nation’s darkest moments, there has never been a second of hesitation by our fellow countrymen to provide help. This week the nation has watched as neighbors in Texas have lent a helping hand to clean up homes and provide meals. Surrounding communities and states have dispatched their own volunteers to travel to impacted areas to fill in the gaps. And first responders have run straight toward danger, braving relentless and unforgiving waters to ensure every life can be accounted for and brought home. 

This week, our own Arkansas National Guard was dispatched, sending twenty-two of our finest guardsmen and women to provide aid in the flood recovery efforts in Texas. Even a week after the tragedy, many families are still holding on to hope that their lost loved ones will be found. Our Arkansas National Guard is proud to answer the call of duty and utilize every resource at their disposal to help bring some relief and hope to these families. In addition to search and rescue efforts, these guardsmen will be utilizing their Black Hawks to transport cargo and passengers. Additionally, they will provide medical assistance during search and rescue efforts by reserving one Black Hawk crew for that role specifically. 

It’s likely that there is hardly an Arkansan keeping up with the news out of Texas who hasn’t been reminded of the devastating loss our own community experienced fifteen years ago when surging floods swept through the Albert Pike campgrounds on the Little Missouri River. Twenty lives were lost in this tragedy – all folks looking to enjoy some time away in the outdoors, and all who are certainly remembered and missed every day. 

This week, there has undoubtedly been time to reflect on each life lost – the campers who never went home, the families eagerly anticipating a river trip to celebrate the Fourth of July, and the brave individuals who went into harm’s way to save the lives of others, in turn losing their own. There has also been time to reflect on the resiliency of the American spirit – the neighbors and friends who have dropped everything to volunteer their time and energy to searching and supporting those around them, and moments of sincere gratitude for the first responders who have risked their own safety to be a beacon of hope for the rescued and their families. 

As this week of solemn reflection ends, may we remember that in the darkness of devastation, we desperately need each other and rely on each other for hope. President Reagan once said, “The spirit of neighbor helping neighbor flows like a deep and mighty river through the history of our Nation. We are proud of our strong and uniquely American tradition of voluntarism. Compassion, vision, and a fundamental sense of decency are the hallmarks of our national character and are reflected in the charitable works of our citizens.” There is certainly no doubt that we have seen this character reflected in every helping hand, phone call, message of encouragement, or donation given by friends, neighbors, and strangers from across the country and around the world. While my heart breaks for everyone impacted by the devastating flooding, it is encouraged by the stories of heroism and hospitality that make me proud to be an Arkansan and an American.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

From sea to shining sea, millions are taking this week to celebrate America the Beautiful and the opportunity and hope she has brought to her people for 249 years. We also celebrate the historic signing of the Declaration of Independence, our nation’s founding document, which laid the blueprint for the freedoms we enjoy today. Thomas Jefferson, one of the document’s most famous authors, said, “I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth all the means. This is our day of deliverance.” His words still ring true today.

After months of hard work, bicameral conversations, and late nights in committee markups, our nation has another historic moment to celebrate. House and Senate Republicans passed a once-in-a-generation piece of legislation, delivering on the mandate handed to each member of Congress who was elected in November. Over the past several months, House Republicans have worked tirelessly to put pen to paper in order to craft legislation that delivers on the promises the President and House Republicans made to the American people. 

This monumental bill takes a step toward restoring fiscal sanity in federal spending, empowering American taxpayers instead of expanding bureaucracy, and fueling freedom from foreign adversaries through unleashing American energy; creating greater domestic opportunity which the abundant natural resources in our own backyard provide. As a proud Arkansan and American, it was a great privilege to have the opportunity to not only cast my vote for a better America, but to cast my vote in order to ensure prosperity, certainty, and hope for Arkansans throughout the Fourth District.

By curbing wasteful spending, House Republicans have ensured that vulnerable Americans will be able to receive the help they need, while stewarding taxpayer-funded programs responsibly. By creating greater fiscal sanity, House Republicans are delivering the largest tax break to working and middle-class Americans in our nation’s history. By bolstering our border security, House Republicans are keeping communities safe and fighting back against the war on deadly and illicit drugs like fentanyl. And by unleashing America’s energy potential, House Republicans are delivering results to lower costs at the gas pump, creating more jobs in the energy sector, and decreasing American dependence on adverse nations for critical minerals and rare earth elements.

Thomas Jefferson was right when he said that our founding ideals would take continuous work to protect and preserve. We must never sit idle, for even one moment, and expect that the work we have done is enough to maintain our liberties. For 249 years, our nation’s legislators have fought to continue paving the way for future generations. This week was no different, as the 119th Congress upheld that legacy and delivered the promise of a better tomorrow for the American people. There is no greater honor or anything I take more seriously than representing the people of the Fourth District of Arkansas. The rural communities, farming families, and workers who span across this great congressional district are a top priority every day. I am thankful for the opportunity to bring their voices with me to Washington in order to craft legislation and cast votes to empower every Arkansan with opportunity and security.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

Americans work hard to earn a living, and it is Congress’ duty to safeguard those resources through setting guidelines for spending, taxes, and planning each fiscal year’s federal budget. Throughout appropriations season, the twelve subcommittees on the House Appropriations Committee hold hearings to examine the budget requests and needs for federal spending in the upcoming fiscal year. Once these subcommittees pass their own crafted legislation, it heads to the House Floor for a vote. This week, the House voted for and passed the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (MilCon-VA), 2026. 

House Republicans are committed to introducing and voting on numerous pieces of legislation throughout the year to support our service members. The MilCon-VA appropriations bill is no different. This vital piece of legislation supports our veterans, active-duty members, and their families to provide them with the resources and support they need, while also bolstering our national security and readiness capabilities at military facilities at home and abroad.

Our military heroes stand sentinel at freedom’s gate – sacrificing the comfort of their own homes, time with their family, and even their lives to protect our homeland. The men and women who boldly embraced the call of duty, knowingly heading straight toward conflict instead of shying away from it, are always deserving of our thanks and gratitude. Even now, thousands of active-duty service members are deployed across the globe. Regardless of their circumstances, these service men and women stay the course, remain steadfast, and do their duty to serve their country – no matter the cost. Providing them with the funds they need for better resources and support is a small way for Congress to pay its thanks for their service.

Providing our armed services with resources to develop and modernize integral military infrastructure and readiness is vital to ensure that our nation can proudly boast the most powerful military in the world. This piece of legislation prioritizes robust funding for infrastructure upgrades, rids obsolete infrastructure currently draining taxpayer dollars, and bolsters infrastructure necessary to support our nation’s advanced weapons systems. Funding will also be provided to enhance the quality of life for our military members currently serving, through planning and designing military housing that addresses barrack deficiencies.

It is well-known that those who return from the battlefield or retire from active military duties are still paying a weighty price for their service. This is why House Republicans have voted to fully fund veterans’ medical care, benefits, and toxic exposures-related needs for the upcoming fiscal year. Post traumatic stress and substance abuse disorders are common among those who have served in particularly devastating tours of duty and as a result, are in great need for social and emotional support networks within their communities. 

Affordable housing and a lack of employment opportunities directly impact our veterans’ ability to acquire viable housing, leading to a concerning increase in the national military homelessness crisis. Veterans are faced with countless obstacles in their transition from military life to civilian life, and Congress must do its due diligence to ensure that not a single veteran has to worry about where they will lay their head at night or where they will get their next meal. It is a great honor to vote for a piece of legislation which addresses these very concerns by providing funds for the Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program, an innovative effort to end veteran homelessness.

Our military heroes are proud to serve our country, and we must be proud to support them in return. Their bravery and unwavering commitment to our country reflect the highest values of service, and while we may not ever be able to thank them fully for what they have done, we can certainly remain committed to crafting legislation that provides them with the care and service they rightfully deserve.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

This week marks the 200th anniversary of the only quote which rests in the House of Representatives, just above the Speaker’s rostrum, serving as a weighty reminder of the significant duties and obligations for every legislator in the House of Representatives. 

On June 17th, 1825, Daniel Webster was joined by another notable figure honored within the walls of this very same chamber: the Marquis de Lafayette. Webster and Lafayette were both in attendance for a memorial of the Battle of Bunker Hill in which more than 200 surviving Revolutionary War veterans were in attendance. Webster was to deliver the dedication speech and Lafayette was to lay the cornerstone for the monument to memorialize the war. 

Monuments usually stand to encourage reflections of the past, but Daniel Webster’s speech was a challenge to look toward the future. Mr. Webster’s oration included the quote which now hangs in the House chamber and says, “Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also in our day and generation may not perform something worthy to be remembered.”

Looking up at this quote from Daniel Webster perfectly outlines the role each legislator plays in Congress – to develop our nation’s resources and utilize the vast opportunity which they present. As a licensed forester and engineer, and someone who has dedicated a large portion of time to stewarding the resources of our land in a way that can be conserved, honored, and appreciated for generations to come, this call has always made perfect sense. The tireless work done in the House Natural Resources Community proudly embarks on championing these very ideals, and it is a privilege to serve on such an integral committee.

Upon the founding of our country, our forefathers crafted something so unique and monumental – establishing a way of life which, in that age, the world had never known. And over time, institutions and ideals were established which inspired watchful nations. Our forefathers drafted the blueprint for a modern-day democracy, and every generation since has taken up the mantle to preserve and defend it. While his original audience may have only been a few hundred people on a field in the middle of summer 200 years ago, that number continues to grow with each generation. As his audience now, in 2025, he calls us to promote our nation’s great interests to see whether we – in our day and generation – may do something worthy to be remembered.

History’s watchful eye is witness to the decisions that are made in the House chamber and the work done in the halls of Congress. The legacy and mission we have inherited as a legislative body remains as true now as it did in Daniel Webster’s time. And we must never lose sight of the call to develop our nation’s resources, build up our great institutions, and make the work we do in our own day and age something worthy of being remembered.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom McClintock Representing the 4th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Tom McClintock delivered remarks on the House Floor preceding the final vote on the Big Beautiful Bill:

Click to watch Rep. McClintock’s remarks

Big Beautiful Bill
Senate Amendments
July 3, 2025

This bill fulfills many of our promises to the American people: lower taxes, lighter regulations, a secure border, more frugal government and a war on waste.  Throughout history, these are the policies that have produced prosperity and security and there is every reason to believe they will again.  

I remind my conservative friends who say this bill doesn’t go far enough: our process was not designed to make perfect law – it was designed to make the best law that is acceptable to a majority.  Judging by the narrow votes, we have pushed this bill about as far toward perfection as the process allows.

The proof is not in the talking points made today, but next year, when Americans will ask themselves if they are better off.  I believe because of this bill, the answer will be a resounding YES.  And perhaps that is what the Democrats fear most.

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