MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today, Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after President Trump announced a 90-day reciprocal tariff pause, reducing rates to 10 percent for trading partners and increasing the tariff rate for China. 

“The president’s announcement is a step forward in the negotiation process. American producers, manufacturers, and service providers are eager to see improved market access for their products, and many of our trading partners have shown a willingness to engage with the administration to lower tariff and non-tariff barriers. This international response stems directly from President Trump’s efforts to drive a hard bargain and level the playing field. I continue to urge the President, his administration, and our trading partners to address these concerns and negotiate enforceable agreements in a timely manner. Through robust, fair trade we will unleash economic growth.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released a statement in opposition to Trump and Republicans’ budget plan to direct Congress to slash healthcare and prescription benefits for our seniors, veterans, and more, including a minimum of $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid, so that they can afford to give the wealthy tax cuts.

“I would vote ‘no’ a thousand times to stop Trump and Republicans from cutting earned benefit programs, including Medicare and Social Security, that our seniors rely on. Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security are all lifelines for millions of Americans across the country, including hundreds of thousands of families, veterans, and seniors in South Jersey,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “It’s disgusting that Republicans would disrespect our veterans, who have sacrificed so much to defend this nation, by cutting the programs they deserve and were promised. The draconian cuts to Medicaid, a program that millions of seniors and people with disabilities depend on for healthcare and long-term care, are just plain wrong. With this budget plan, Trump and Congressional Republicans are making one thing clear: they don’t care about seniors, veterans, or hardworking American families.”   

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Formaldehyde Ban in Hair Relaxing Products Delayed Three Times Since Initial Action Following Pressley-Brown Inquiry

In a Hearing Today, Pressley Underscored Urgent Need for Formaldehyde Ban to Protect Public Health, Advance Racial Justice

Text of Letter (PDF) | Hearing Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), and Shontel Brown (OH-11) sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting answers on the continued delay in implementing a ban on formaldehyde in hair products.

The FDA issued the proposed rule in October 2023 following a March letter from Reps. Pressley and Brown calling for an investigation into the health risks posed by chemical hair straighteners. The agency set an April 2024 implementation timeline but missed its own deadline. Although the proposed rule was added to the OMB Unified Agenda last fall, the target action date of March 2025 has passed with no further progress.

“Since Fall 2024, there has been no further movement or concrete next steps regarding the implementation of the ban” wrote the lawmakers.

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen found in hair relaxers, keratin treatments, and other chemical straighteners. Its use has been linked to cancer, respiratory illness, and adverse reproductive outcomes. The letter notes that women of color are disproportionately at risk.

“Of particular concern is the heightened health risk to Black women, who are more likely to receive or provide formaldehyde-based hair treatments, which has a disparate impact on both workers and their customers,” the lawmakers continued.

The letter follows previous outreach from Reps. Pressley, Velázquez, and Brown in August 2024, when they again urged the FDA to finalize the proposed rule.

In the letter, the lawmakers call on the FDA to finalize the proposed rule and ask for answers to the following questions:

• Given the delay, what steps have been taken since our last inquiry to advance the formaldehyde ban?
• Are there any current or upcoming changes to federal regulations that would impact the finalization of the proposed rule?
• How is the FDA prioritizing this issue relative to other regulatory efforts? Are there specific challenges delaying the finalization of the rule?
• Beyond formaldehyde, does the FDA plan to examine other hazardous chemicals commonly found in personal care products, particularly those disproportionately affecting women and communities of color? If so, what substances are under consideration?

“It is essential to continue to highlight the gravity of formaldehyde exposure, as evidenced by both epidemiological data and laboratory research,” the letter concludes. “Ensuring that regulatory actions align with the best interests of public health remains the goal and we encourage promptly finalizing a proposed rule.”

A copy of the letter is available here.

Congresswoman Pressley has been steadfast in her advocacy for Black women’s health, ending race-based hair discrimination, and introducing policies that affirm the right of Black women to show up in the world as their full, authentic selves.

• Rep. Pressley is a lead co-sponsor of the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, legislation with Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) that would ban discrimination based on hair textures and hairstyles that are commonly associated with a particular race or national origin.
• In August 2024, Reps. Pressley, Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Shontel Brown (D-OH) sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting an update on delays in implementation of a rule to ban formaldehyde and other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair products.
• In June 2024, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02) led their colleagues in re-introducing the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act, legislation to help individuals affected by Alopecia Areata and patients with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy by allowing medical wigs and other head coverings to be covered under the Medicare program.
• In May 2024, Rep. Pressley, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) introduced the Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act of 2023 to support servicemembers with traction alopecia.
• In April 2024, Rep. Pressley reintroduced the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act, a bicameral bill to declare structural racism a public health crisis and confront its public health impacts through two bold new programs within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rep. Pressley originally introduced the bill in September 2020.
• In 2020, the House passed an amendment introduced by Congresswoman Pressley to provide $5 million dollars for the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to fund research on the causes, impacts, and possible treatments of Alopecia areata.
• In December 2019, Rep. Pressley and her colleagues sent a letter to Johnson & Johnson Chairman and CEO Alex Gorsky seeking information on the targeted marketing and sale of the company’s talc-based baby powder and its potential to cause harm, particularly to women, teenage girls, and people of color, due to asbestos contamination. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

Watch Rep. Sherrill’s questioning here

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), former Navy helicopter aircraft commander and Russian policy officer, and member of the House Armed Services Committee, pressed Department of Defense leadership this week on Trump’s dangerous appeasement of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. 

“Right now, Donald Trump is abandoning our ally Ukraine and threatening to remove American troops stationed in Europe while Russian President Vladimir Putin is rebuilding and strengthening his own military. Allowing Russia’s military to grow unchecked will put the lives of American service members in danger, jeopardize America’s global supply chains, and risk America’s partnerships with our democratic allies and partners worldwide,” said Rep. Sherrill. 

Sherrill has been at the forefront of House efforts to support Ukraine since the beginning of Putin’s brutal invasion. She spoke directly with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Kyiv and while representing the United States as part of a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to the Munich Security Conference. New Jersey is home to one of the largest Ukrainian-American populations in the country and Congresswoman Sherrill continues to work closely with community leaders to support Ukraine. 

Congresswoman Sherrill is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Navy for almost 10 years as a helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer. As a Russian policy officer, she worked on implementing our nuclear treaty obligations and oversaw the relationship between the US Navy and Russian Federation Navy. She now serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the new House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), and Val Hoyle (OR-04) are expressing major concerns over the lack of Congressional approval for U.S. military strikes in Yemen. 

“The U.S. Constitution is clear: Congress holds the sole power to authorize offensive military action,” wrote the Members. “While we share concerns about maritime security in the Red Sea, we call on your

Administration to immediately cease unauthorized use of military force and instead seek specific statutory authorization from Congress before involving the U.S. in an unconstitutional conflict in the Middle East, which risks endangering U.S. military personnel in the region and escalating into a regime-change war.”

Section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 states that the President can only introduce U.S. forces into hostilities after a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization from Congress, or in a national emergency when the U.S. is under attack. Presently, no congressional authorization of military force exists for the recent hostilities carried out in Yemen, nor is there a declared national emergency. Senior Trump Administration officials even commented, in a non-secure Signal chat, that these strikes could have waited “a few weeks or a month,” making clear there was ample time to consult with Congress and obtain the necessary authorization before initiating these attacks.

“Congress must have the opportunity to engage in a robust debate on the rationale for offensive force and vote on its merits before U.S. servicemembers are placed in harm’s way and additional taxpayer dollars are spent on yet another Middle East war,” continued the Members. “No president has the constitutional authority to bypass Congress on matters of war.”

The Administration should be aware of its lack of authority in this matter, as the War Powers Resolution was used in 2019 to compel them to suspend midair refueling for Saudi airstrikes over Yemen. 

“President Trump’s reckless strikes in Yemen are illegal, counterproductive and dangerous,” said Cavan Kharrazian, Senior Policy Advisor for Demand Progress. “We’re grateful to Representatives Jayapal, Khanna and Hoyle for once again leading the charge to reassert Congress’s war powers—just as they did during the Biden administration. What is clear: Trump must come to Congress for a debate and vote before engaging in further hostilities. This unauthorized military action is killing civilians, costing nearly $1 billion in taxpayer money, emboldening the Houthis and is threatening to create a ground war in a country already shattered by conflict and humanitarian crisis. Upholding congressional authority over matters of war is not a partisan issue; it’s a constitutional imperative and one of the most critical checks on executive power.”

“Presidents have spent decades undermining Congress’s constitutional authority to declare or otherwise authorize wars, but with President Trump’s authoritarian approach to governance, the stakes are higher than ever,” said Jon Rainwater, Executive Director of Peace Action. “We applaud the members of Congress who signed this critical letter. Their leadership is essential in reining in this open-ended military adventure in Yemen, which is exacerbating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Congress must step up and reassert its oversight over the use of U.S. military before the president engages in even more reckless military adventurism abroad — or potentially even repression at home.”

“The U.S. airstrikes on Yemen are making a humanitarian crisis worse,” said Isaac Evans-Frantz, Director of Action Corps. “Congress never authorized these attacks, and members of Congress should use their power to stop them.”

“The U.S. bombing of Yemen contributes to the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the loss of innocent lives, and the deepening of one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises—all without congressional authorization,” said Aisha Jumaan, President, Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation. “I urge Congress to support the War Powers Resolution to end any unauthorized U.S. military involvement in Yemen. It is time for the United States to support accountability, prioritize diplomacy, and play a constructive role in ending the suffering of the Yemeni people.”

The full text of the letter can be read here. 

The letter has been signed by Becca Balint (VT-AL), Donald S. Beyer (VA-08), Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

It is also endorsed by Action Corps, American Friends Service Committee, Antiwar.com, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, Brooklyn For Peace, Center for International Policy Advocacy, DAWN, Demand Progress, Emgage Action, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Health Advocacy International, Historians for Peace and Democracy, Just Foreign Policy, L.I. Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives, Massachusetts Peace Action, MPower Change Action Fund, National Iranian American Council, NorCal Sabeel, North Country Peace Group, Peace Action, Peace Action New York State, Peace, Justice, Sustainability, NOW!, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, The Libertarian Institute, United for Peace and Justice, WESPAC Foundation, Inc., Western New York Peace Center, Win Without War, Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation, and Yemeni Alliance Committee.

Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Angie Craig (MN-02) are today launching the Monopoly Busters Caucus, a new caucus with nine Founding Members to fight corporate greed and promote a pro-worker, pro-consumer, and pro-small business economic agenda. 

“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 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 Congressman 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 Congressman Pat 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.”

“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.”  

Throughout the pandemic and the inflation that followed, there was consistent reporting of large corporations price-gouging consumers, something they could do thanks to near-monopoly consolidation in many industries. For instance, in the cases of beef, baby food, pasta, and soda, more than 80 percent of the market is controlled by four companies. Rigorous enforcement of our antitrust laws can fix this consolidation and ensure that our markets work for all people. 

The Caucus’s founding Members represent a large swath of the ideological makeup of the Democratic Party, highlighting the unity around a strong economic prosperity message. Joining the co-chairs in founding the Caucus are Becca Balint (VT-AL), Greg Casar (TX-35), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Kristen MacDonald Rivet (MI-08), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07).

The full livestreamed launch event can be watched here.

Issues: Science, Technology, & Antitrust

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced the bicameral Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, which would save taxpayer dollars by stopping unlawful payments to scammers who utilize deceased individuals’ information to defraud the federal government. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

The legislation reins in government spending by permanently amending the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 to allow the Social Security Administration to share the records of deceased individuals, known as the Death Master File, with the Treasury Department’s ‘Do Not Pay’ system.

“The national debt is a significant threat. The American people support efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse of their tax dollars, which certainly includes ensuring payments are not being delivered to dead people. Our legislation addresses this gap in the bureaucracy and cuts wasteful spending,” said Congressman Higgins.

“In 2023 alone, the federal government sent $1.3 billion to dead people. The Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act would permanently correct bureaucratic errors so that Americans’ tax dollars don’t get wasted or stolen,” said Senator Kennedy.

Read the legislation here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. -Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act to prohibit the sale and export of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China, or any entity that is under the ownership, control, or influence of China. 

“The federal government should NEVER sell a single drop of our Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Communist China—our greatest geopolitical threat. Period. It is outrageous—and downright dangerous—that anyone in the White House would approve such a move, putting our national security at risk and sticking hardworking American taxpayers with the bill to refill it,” said Rep. Weber. “It’s reckless, it’s irresponsible, and it hits home—especially for us in Southeast Texas, where over 60% of the SPR is stored. We must pass this bill to ensure that no future president—certainly not another Joe Biden—can ever again willfully sell off our emergency reserves to the Chinese Communist Party.”

Read the bill text here.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives: Reps. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Andy Ogles (TN-5), Ryan Zinke (MT-1), Ben Cline (VA-6), Scott Franklin (FL-15), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Brian Babin (TX-36), Celeste Maloy (UT-2), Jefferson Shreve (IN-6), Dave Taylor (OH-2), Lauren Boebert (CO-4), and Stephanie Bice (OK-5), and Chris Smith (NJ-4). 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

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

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Vince Fong (CA-20), Ken Calvert (CA-41), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Tom McClintock (CA-05), and Darrell Issa (CA-48) to introduce the Election Results Accountability Act. This bill aims to improve transparency and restore trust in the democratic process by setting federal deadlines for ballot counting and certification of election results. 

“In California it can take weeks to certify election results, which undermines the public trust necessary for free and fair elections,” said Congressman Valadao. “Californians—and all Americans—deserve to know the results of their elections in a timely and transparent manner. I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bill which will help restore some confidence in our democratic process.”

“Some states took over a month to certify the results of the 2024 elections. That kind of delay erodes the public’s trust in our electoral system,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Timely certification of federal election results is not only critical for public confidence but also essential for ensuring that newly elected members can fully participate in key activities like leadership elections and committee assignments.”

“Establishing clear procedures for the timely and transparent certification of federal election results is long overdue,” said Rep. Fong. “Americans deserve to have confidence in the election process that defines our country, which is why I am proud to support this legislation. For us in California, this is critically important.” 

“Having accurate and timely results for our elections is critical to strengthening the integrity and confidence in our democracy,” said Rep. Calvert. “I am proud to cosponsor the Election Results Accountability Act and thank Rep. Obernolte for introducing this important legislation.” 

“California took longer than virtually any other state in the nation to certify the results of the 2024 elections. This ridiculous delay fosters distrust and confusion about the direction of our government and responsiveness to voters,” said Rep. Kiley. “Other states manage to complete election results faster and without incident- there’s no reason California can’t get this job done in a more timely manner. Enough is enough.” 

“For years, several states – including California – have turned election day into a month of voting that has singlehandedly damaged the credibility of our democracy,” said Rep. Issa. “That’s why I’m supporting Rep. Obernolte’s bill establishing a commonsense standard giving every American voter enduring confidence in the timely counting of valid ballots and the ultimate results of our federal elections.” 

Background:

The Election Results Accountability Act includes common sense exceptions for circumstances outside a state’s control, such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, cyberattacks, or technical failures, as well as allowances for recounts and the first-time implementation of new election procedures. To enforce compliance, states that fail to meet the deadlines without qualifying exemptions may be denied federal election funds unless they submit a corrective compliance plan to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The EAC and DOJ must jointly certify both the failure and the adequacy of a state’s plan before federal funding is restored.

This legislation will apply to all federal elections held 90 days after enactment.

The Election Results Accountability Act would:

• Amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require all states to count and publicly report no less than 90% of ballots cast in federal elections within 72 hours of polls closing.
• Mandate that states complete the ballot count and certify final results within two weeks of election day.

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