MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02), Ranking Member of the Federal Lands Subcommittee, and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper called for immediate clarification regarding recent announcements from the Trump Administration that nearly twenty federal leases for land management agencies are to be terminated throughout Colorado. These cancellations come as part of the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” or DOGE’s nationwide gutting of federal agencies and mass firings of federal employees.  

In Colorado, the impacted agencies listed on DOGE’s “Wall of Receipts”, included the National Park Service and Forest Service, among numerous others. 

“We write requesting immediate clarification regarding recent announcements from the Administration on the planned termination of nearly twenty facility leases in Colorado. These lease cancellations include facilities for federal land and natural resource management agencies, which play an integral role in the federal government’s resilience to wildfire, response to drought, and management of our public lands,” the Colorado lawmakers wrote.

Neguse, Bennet, and Hickenlooper continued by calling specific attention to the impact these closures would have on the state’s ability to combat the increased threat of wildfires, stating: “As federal agencies, states, and local communities work to prepare for heightened wildfire and drought risk during the warmer summer months ahead, we are extremely concerned about the risk that the closure of USFS or Department of Interior (DOI) facilities in Colorado could result in a decrease of our state’s wildfire preparedness, ability to respond to drought conditions, and react to other threats to public safety. As one particularly concerning example, DOGE’s list of terminations includes the Supervisor’s Office for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest in Fort Collins. Closure of that facility would directly affect wildfire emergency operations during an active wildfire, including dispatch and incident command. This facility also supports important research that makes us more resilient to wildfire. The decision to terminate this lease would have detrimental effects not just for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, but for nearby communities.”  

In recent years, Colorado has experienced several devastating wildfires, with 2020 and 2021 seeing some of the largest and most destructive events in state history, including the Cameron Peak Fire, East Troublesome Fire, and Marshall Fire. The termination of noted leases would be detrimental to not only the management of public lands but also the safety of residents and state visitors.  

The lawmakers also made note of the significant uncertainty around the status of federal leases that are listed on the DOGE website, demanding increased transparency in the group’s decision-making process and rollout, and asking for immediate answers to the following questions: 

1. What is the current status of all USFS and DOI facility leases in Colorado, including but not limited to the following offices:
2. USFS facility at 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E in Fort Collins;
3. NPS and USFWS facility at 1201 Oakridge Drive in Fort Collins; and
4. USGS facilities at 3215 Marine Street and 4725 Nautilus Court in Boulder.
5. What criteria were utilized to determine which facility leases would be terminated across the United States? Why have the status of leases changed without notification or explanation on DOGE’s website?
6. What is the timeline for these leases to be terminated?
7. What impacts would terminating the leases for DOI and USFS facilities have on wildfire readiness and emergency response operations leading into the summer months?
8. How will Federal agencies accomplish their mission, meet statutory requirements, and continue to provide critical services without dedicated office space?
9. Where will current employees with duty stations at these facilities, including those returning to in- person work to comply with the Return to In-person Presidential Action, work once these leases have been cancelled? Will employment terminations occur as a result of their office’s lease termination? 

The full text of their letter, penned to Stephen Ehikian the Acting Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, is available HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

Stockton Diamond is the busiest, most congested rail bottleneck in California

Harder helped negotiate and pass bipartisan bill that reauthorized congestion funding program

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced that $14 million in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding has been awarded to reduce congestion at the Stockton Diamond, which is the busiest and most congested rail bottleneck in California. This funding program, which was reauthorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Harder helped negotiate and pass and approved by the San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG), will separate principal rail lines to allow uninterrupted rail traffic flow.

“The last thing our farmers and local businesses need is the worst railway bottleneck in the state grinding our economy to a halt,” said Rep. Harder. “I helped bring federal investments back to the Valley to fix our aging infrastructure, and this project will deliver in spades by reducing congestion and improving safety. I look forward to getting this project done ASAP so our goods can get back on the move instead of sitting in traffic.”

“This funding approval from SJCOG is a major step forward for the Stockton Diamond Grade Separation, addressing longstanding congestion and safety challenges at one of California’s most critical rail intersections,” said Stacey Mortensen, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission. “We are grateful for SJCOG’s commitment to our vision of improving regional transportation efficiency, safety, and air quality for San Joaquin County residents, which aligns perfectly with our ongoing mission to enhance regional connectivity.”

In addition to easing congestion at the Stockton Diamond, which is used by both BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad, the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve site accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians. Once completed, the project will also improve on-time performance of passenger rail services like the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) and Amtrak San Joaquins.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

300-foot Aurora sinking last year spilled 3,000 gallons of hazardous waste into Delta

WASHINGTON – Today, ahead of the 2025 Opening Day on the Delta boat parade, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced new legislation to protect boat owners and our waterways from dangerous abandoned vessels. 

Abandoned vessels are a real threat to Delta communities:

• Dozens have had to be removed across the state, including the 300-foot Aurora that spilled over 3,000 gallons of hazardous waste into the Delta last year with cleanup costs ranging in the tens of millions.
• As these boats change hands, they are often left abandoned and eventually sink, spilling fuel and polluting waterways while creating dangerous hazards for boaters.
• The Abandoned Vessel Prevention Act would ensure large ship owners, not the public, are responsible for preventing sinkings.

“Protecting the Delta is about protecting our families, our environment, and our region’s economy,” said Rep. Harder. “When I stood on the crumbling deck of the Aurora last year, I saw firsthand just how dangerous these abandoned boats can be. It’s unacceptable that more of these ticking time bombs are still out there. We need to get them out of our waters and make sure irresponsible owners are held accountable—before it’s too late.”

“The Delta is both the source of water for millions of Californians as well as a vital economic hub of businesses and recreational activities,” said Pat Hume, Chair of the Delta Counties Coalition. “Abandoned vessels pose a major threat to the Delta ecosystem and the entire state’s water quality. Once these vessels sink, its asbestos laden materials, gasoline and diesel fuels, antifreeze, and lead-based paints contaminate the Delta’s delicate ecosystem. This bill ensures accountability to prevent this problem.”

To prevent large-scale and dangerous sinkings, the Abandoned Vessel Prevention Act requires sellers of commercial vessels for recreational purposes that are over 35 feet long and 40 years of age to have insurance or remain liable for any sinking and cleanup costs.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

$250+ million available across four programs for specialty crop growers

Deadline to apply is June 6, 2025

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced four new tariff relief programs to deliver proactive assistance to Valley farmers and agriculture communities amid the escalating global trade war. These U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs provide up to $251 million to reduce foreign market costs, especially for specialty crops like almonds, grapes, and olives. The deadline to apply is June 6, 2025.

Retaliatory tariffs could hit Valley farmers hard:

• The Valley is the fruit and nut basket of the world, producing 25% of the nation’s food.
• China has imposed a 35% tariff on U.S. almonds, which are all grown in California.
• The European Union, a major export market, is considering new retaliatory tariffs at the end of the month.

“Our Valley farmers should not be punished with rising costs and shrinking foreign markets,” said Rep. Harder. “These are some of the hardest working people out there and we have to support them during this economic uncertainty. These proactive programs will make it easier to sell our world-class crops abroad and reduce the burden of retaliatory tariffs on local growers. I strongly recommend our growers apply for this program – my office is here to help.”

Farmers can check their eligibility to apply here.

Provided by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, these trade relief programs include:

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Pat Ryan (NY-19) launched the Monopoly Busters Caucus, a new caucus with nine founding Members to fight corporate greed, lower costs and promote a pro-worker, pro-consumer, and pro-small business economic agenda.

During today’s press conference announcing the caucus, the Members were joined by founding members Representatives Becca Balint (VT), Greg Casar (TX-25), Jerry Nadler (NY-12) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) as well as Mike Stranz, Vice President of Advocacy, National Farmers Union; Clayton Bennet, Manager, Safeway; and Jonathan Akanowicz RPh., Co-Owner, Towne Drugs.

“As the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, I have seen firsthand how consolidation in the ag industry is squeezing our family farmers and producers – and driving up costs for consumers too,” said Rep. Craig. “At a time when the Administration is launching our country headfirst into a global trade war, it’s more important than ever that we uplift small and local businesses right here at home. I’m proud to be joining Representatives Jayapal, Ryan and Deluzio to fight consolidation, strengthen the middle class and lower costs for producers and consumers.”  

“Something is wrong in this country when families go to the grocery store and can’t afford milk or eggs or cereal. As people struggle under the weight of inflation, corporate profits are higher than ever,” said Rep. Jayapal. “From rent to groceries, to health care — life in America has become unaffordable. The answer to why is simple: corporate monopolies. When we take on corporate power, we can make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of working people across the country – and we must, the American people are counting on us.”

“Monopolies have been rigging the system, crushing competition and small businesses, and ripping off the American people for decades. And for too long, politicians in Congress have let it happen,” said Rep. Deluzio. “We’re launching the Monopoly Busters Caucus today because we think that it’s long overdue for Congress to step up to take on consolidated corporate power and to reinvigorate American capitalism with competition. It’s our duty to help take the squeeze off of America’s workers, small businesses, and consumers and pave a path back to the American Dream. It’s time to get real, patriotic competition back in our economy.”

“When I talk with folks in the Hudson Valley, the number one thing I hear is frustration. Frustration that even though they’re working hard and doing everything that’s asked of them, they can’t afford to provide for their family – housing, health care, gas, groceries, utilities. It’s inherently un-American that only a select few are able to live out the American dream,” said Rep. Ryan. “The reason for this is clear – in every one of those industries, we’ve let monopolies drive up costs and drive down quality, all while making record breaking profits. We’re gonna fight back against these big and powerful corporations, hold the bad actors accountable, and ultimately put power back where it belongs: with the American people.”

The full press conference can be viewed here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) introduced the Defend American Manufacturing Act, legislation to protect a key program that supports local manufacturing companies across the country. The bill comes after President Trump quietly cut the program in 10 states — including Kansas — just hours before taking the stage to proclaim his support for American manufacturing. 

“Dismantling one of the most successful manufacturing programs in the country is not the way to help grow American manufacturing,” said Davids. “My Defend American Manufacturing Act ensures that state manufacturing centers — like Kansas Manufacturing Solutions — can continue helping local manufacturers grow, innovate, and create jobs. To make our country more competitive, we should be doubling down on what works. This bill will do just that.”

For nearly 40 years, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program has helped small and mid-sized manufacturers become more efficient, strengthen supply chains, and grow their businesses. Through 51 cost-effective public-private centers in every state and Puerto Rico, MEPs offer services like workforce training, cybersecurity support, and market expansion strategies. In 2024 alone, the program created or saved over 108,000 manufacturing jobs, generated $15 billion in sales, and saved local businesses $2.6 billion.

The Trump administration’s latest decision pulled nearly $13 million from MEP centers, blindsiding states like Kansas, Delaware, and others. Davids’ Defend American Manufacturing Act would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology to renew and award MEP centers annually, freeing the program’s funding from politically motivated decisions by future administrations.

Kansas’ MEP, known as Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KMS), has made a tremendous impact on the state’s economy, where 86 percent of the yearly exports are manufactured goods. In 2024, KMS created or retained 2,339 jobs, spurred $122 million in new investment, saved local businesses $14.3 million, and generated $328 million in sales. In Kansas’ Third District alone, KMS assisted 552 manufacturers and more than 30,000 manufacturing employees last year.

“Cutting MEP funding undermines the small manufacturers essential for reshoring U.S. production. With 98 percent of U.S. manufacturers being small or mid-sized, they are the backbone of reshoring effort and the ones most reliant on MEP support,” said Tiffany Stoval, CEO, Kansas Manufacturing Solutions. “These manufacturers can’t afford expensive consultants, yet still need expert guidance to modernize, automate, and grow. That’s where KMS and MEP-backed services come in. Without this support, these businesses are left vulnerable. We’ve seen firsthand how relying on foreign suppliers creates a fragile supply chain — especially in a crisis. Let’s not repeat that mistake. We must support American jobs, innovation, and manufacturers by restoring MEP funding.”

Representatives Sarah McBride (DE-01) and Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) joined Davids in introducing today’s legislation to defend this critical manufacturing program. Earlier this week, Davids and McBride also called on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to reverse its decision to halt funding for MEP centers, emphasizing the need for stability as local manufacturers face rising costs from Trump’s tariffs.

“I’ve heard directly from Delaware’s manufacturers and the leaders of the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership leadership — and they’re warning that the illegal decision to rip funding from the DEMEP will cost us jobs, investments, and the progress we’ve worked so hard to build,” said Representative Sarah McBride (DE-01). “In Delaware, the MEP has supported more than 400 local jobs and helped small and mid-sized manufacturers grow across all three Delaware counties. The Defend American Manufacturing Act will ensure that federal investments in manufacturing are used as Congress intended — to strengthen supply chains, boost innovation, and support the businesses at the heart of our economy so we can make more in America. This program works, and we should be doing everything we can to protect it. I’m grateful to Representative Davids for her partnership on this.”

“Nearly 98 percent of manufacturers in the U.S. are small or mid-sized businesses, and they play a crucial role in reshoring efforts,” said Carrie Hines, President & CEO, American Small Manufacturers Coalition. “These businesses are also the ones most reliant on the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which provides vital technical assistance to help them stay competitive in the global market,” said Carrie Hines, President and CEO of the American Small Manufacturers Coalition. “This bill ensures that MEP Centers will continue to receive the federal funding allocated by Congress, enabling them to support these manufacturers.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids released the following statement in response to President Trump’s latest round of tariffs, which went into effect early this morning. Experts warn the tariffs could raise costs for American families by $4,000 to $8,000 per year and further damage an already fragile economy.

“Once again, President Trump has taken a drastic economic action without a clear plan for what comes next — and it’s Kansas families who will pay the price,” said Davids. “These reckless tariffs threaten our small businesses, farmers, and working families, all while we’re already facing the worst market performance under any president since World War II. People’s retirement savings, grocery bills, and long-term stability are on the line. We need smart, bipartisan trade policy that protects American workers and opens new markets — not chaotic political stunts that could raise prices for hardworking families by at least $3,800 a year.”

Background:

President Trump’s new tariffs have thrown financial markets and the broader economy into chaos. Since the announcement, the stock market has plummeted — marking the worst start for any president since World War II. This historic downturn is directly tied to the tariffs and is already hitting everyday Americans in their retirement accounts. A typical 401(k) for someone nearing retirement age has lost thousands of dollars in just a week.

These tariffs also threaten key industries in Kansas, including agriculture and manufacturing, by increasing the cost of imported equipment and materials, and by inviting retaliatory tariffs on exports. This reckless approach to trade policy underscores the need for thoughtful, bipartisan solutions that promote fair trade without harming American consumers and businesses.

Davids has consistently supported bipartisan approaches to trade that balance competitiveness with consumer protection, including measures to hold unfair actors accountable while avoiding broad, unpredictable economic consequences.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) joined Representative Judy Chu (CA-28) and Dina Titus (NV-01) and Senators Tina Smith (MN), Patty Murray (WA), and Elizabeth Warren (MA) in introducing the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act, legislation that would safeguard and increase funding for Title X — the nation’s only federal program dedicated to providing comprehensive family planning and preventive health services.

For more than 50 years, Title X has provided critical health care services, including birth control, cancer screenings, and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Title X clinics serve 4 million people annually, and in 2023 alone, more than 1.5 million visits to Planned Parenthood health centers were made possible by the program. But that care is under threat, as the Trump Administration continues its attacks on this critical program.

“In Kansas and across the country, people are being turned away from the only places they can afford to get basic, lifesaving reproductive care — all because the Trump Administration is playing politics with their health,” said Davids. “This bill protects trusted providers and ensures access to cancer screenings, birth control, and STI testing, no matter your income, where you live, or how you vote.”

The need for the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act comes as the Trump Administration has recently frozen millions of dollars in already-appropriated Title X funding, impacting 16 organizations across several states. Planned Parenthood affiliates have lost access to as much as $3 million annually — resources they rely on to serve tens of thousands of patients each year. According to the Guttmacher Institute, the freeze could impact access to care for up to 1.25 million people, many of whom are low-income, people of color, or live in medically underserved communities.

“The Trump Administration is denying women across Nevada and the U.S. the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies and their families’ futures,” said Representative Dina Titus (NV-01). “By fully funding family planning services, we can protect their rights to access lifesaving preventive care, birth control, and other reproductive health services at a time when these freedoms are under constant attack.”

“While the Trump-Musk administration freezes Title X funding around the country, threatening family planning and health screenings for hundreds of thousands of women, Democrats are fighting back with the bicameral introduction of the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act,” said Representative Judy Chu (CA-28). “Trump and Congressional Republicans may not care about providing American women the freedom to plan their futures, but we do. And we are backing it up with this legislation to guarantee stable funding for Title X, improve health clinics’ infrastructure, and protect their access to comprehensive, affordable reproductive health care.”

“We are at a time when Americans’ reproductive freedoms are under attack from extremist Republicans – which makes the Title X Family Planning Program more important than ever,” said Senator Tina Smith (MN). “Title X funding provides American women with access to critical reproductive health services. I invite my Republican colleagues who claim to champion family planning services to join us in supporting this commonsense legislation that will protect women’s access to life-saving services and birth control, pregnancy counseling, infertility services, and more.”

The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act would:

1. Guarantee stable, annual funding for Title X, preventing repeated Republican-led efforts to eliminate the program.
   • The bill would provide $512 million annually for 10 years, addressing the current funding shortfall and ensuring access to essential services.
   • It also allocates $50 million in mandatory funding for clinic construction, renovations, and infrastructure improvements.
2. Protect providers like Planned Parenthood from being excluded, as seen under the Trump Administration’s so-called “domestic gag rule.”
   • The bill would reinstate regulations prohibiting discrimination against providers who offer Title X services, ensuring continuity of care for patients.
3. Ensure access to comprehensive, affordable reproductive health care for all patients, regardless of income, race, immigration status, or gender.
   • This includes information and services related to prenatal care, delivery, infant care, foster care, adoption, and pregnancy termination — unless a patient opts out of receiving information on certain options.

Last week, Davids led more than 160 House Democrats in urging U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to immediately restore all appropriated Title X funding. The letter also called for an urgent meeting with impacted providers to ensure that care is not disrupted.

“The Trump administration is trying to strip health care access from people nationwide, and now they’re attacking Title X — the nation’s only federal program dedicated to providing affordable sexual and reproductive health care,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Sadly, we already know what happens when health care providers, including Planned Parenthood health centers, lose Title X funding. People across the country suffer, cancers go undetected, access to birth control is severely reduced, and the nation’s STI crisis worsens. Thank you to Senators Smith, Murray, and Warren, and Representatives Davids, Chu, and Titus for reintroducing this critical bill to protect continued investment in the Title X family planning program. The withholding of Title X funds from Planned Parenthood health centers cannot stand.”

“The recent, unjustified attacks on the Title X program have detrimental real-life consequences across the country,” said Clare Coleman, President & CEO, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. “Withholding Title X funds for a quarter of all grantees in the Title X network has impacted 870 health clinics and more than 850,000 patients. The impact is vast and disproportionately affects low-income individuals, rural communities, people of color. I applaud Rep. Sharice Davids and Senator Tina Smith for introducing this legislation and look forward to a future where Title X family planning providers are fully funded and able to serve every patient in their community who needs high-quality reproductive health care.”

“The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act secures sustainable, consistent funding for Title X that would help patients by helping to stabilize the provider network, prevent service disruptions, and uphold its commitment to person-centered care — care that respects and responds to an individual’s preferences, needs, and values,” said Kelly Baden, Vice President of Public Policy, Guttmacher Institute. “Guttmacher data shows that restrictions appearing to target one type of reproductive health care have ripple effects on all aspects of reproductive care, including abortion and contraception. Attacks on Title X from the Trump Administration are devastating to the thousands of people who rely on those health centers every day as their trusted provider of contraception and other affordable care.  Congress must support Title X as a vital program ensuring access to reproductive health care and addressing longstanding health disparities in care. We thank Rep. Davids for her leadership in championing this critical legislation.”

The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act is endorsed by a wide coalition of public health and reproductive rights organizations, including Guttmacher Institute, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Women’s Law Center, National Council of Jewish Women, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Upstream USA.

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

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today voted against a resolution to weaken overdraft fee regulations on large banks and credit unions. 

In December 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) finalized a rule that required financial institutions with more than $10 billion to institute greater transparency policies regarding overdraft fees, or to cap such a fee at $5. Today’s resolution sought to repeal the rule. 

“There should be rules against lenders who use unreasonable overdraft fees to make money off families,” Golden said. “CFPB was right to crack down on the most predatory practices, and rolling back these changes will only benefit the executives trying to make a bigger profit off working Americans.” 

Financial institutions charge customers overdraft fees when there is not enough money in their checking account to cover a transaction. In return for temporarily paying the difference rather than simply declining the charge, the lender charges customers a fee — roughly $35 on average. 

These fees stack for each overdrafted charge, which can quickly dwarf the amount of money that an account was actually short. Limited disclosure laws can also leave customers unaware of their lender’s overdraft program until fees have already been charged. Overdraft fees are a significant revenue generator for financial institutions, totaling more than $5.8 billion in 2023 alone.

CFPB’s recent rule requires large financial institutions to follow transparency laws similar to those for credit cards before being allowed to charge current overdraft fee rates. For lenders uninterested in complying, the rule also allows them to simply cap overdraft fees at $5 instead.

The resolution to overturn this rule was submitted under the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to override administrative rulemaking with a majority in both chambers and the president’s signature. Having passed the House and Senate, it now heads to the president’s desk.

Golden also voted against a separate resolution to limit federal oversight of nonbank digital payment systems such as Apple Wallet, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), a proud member of the America 250 Semiquincentennial Commission, is calling on individuals, schools, churches, and communities across Alabama to participate in a special nationwide commemoration, “Two Lights of Tomorrow,” on Friday, April 18, marking the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s midnight ride.

“April 18 marks a defining moment in American history—the night Paul Revere rode through the streets of Massachusetts to warn that freedom was at risk,” said Congressman Aderholt. “This year, we have an opportunity to honor that spirit of courage and citizenship here in Alabama, just as 38 other states across the country will be doing.”

As part of this historic observance, homes, schools, churches, businesses, and public buildings are encouraged to display two lights—a symbolic call to action for today’s Americans to become more engaged, thoughtful citizens. Just as two lanterns lit the path for Revere and the Minutemen, these two lights on April 18 will shine as a modern beacon of unity and renewal.

Governor Kay Ivey, by proclamation on March 6, has officially called on the state of Alabama to take part in this national movement. A promotional video produced by American Village in Montevallo is being used across the nation to encourage participation, and national media outlets are expected to highlight the event through video and photos of local celebrations.

“This year, April 18 is also Good Friday—the day we remember the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, who gave His life on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins,” Aderholt added. “As we honor a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, it is deeply meaningful that we also reflect on the foundation of our faith—the hope and redemption we have through Christ’s death and resurrection. It is a powerful reminder that true freedom—both spiritual and civic—comes at a great cost.”

Congressman Aderholt encourages all Alabamians to share photos or videos of their participation using the hashtag #TwoLightsForTomorrow.

“This is more than just a moment to look back—it’s a moment to look forward. By lighting these two lights, we’re not just remembering the past—we’re recommitting ourselves to a brighter future for this nation.”

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