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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to update the laws governing licensed firearm dealers for the first time in over 30 years. Current laws inadequately meet the business, technological and cultural realities of the 21st century, ultimately insulating rogue firearms dealers from law enforcement.

“While the gun industry profits $9 billion each year with deadlier and more advanced weapons, the gun lobby obstructs any updates to our laws,” said Rep. Kelly, Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. “It is long-past time we bring our gun safety laws into the 21st century. It is simply commonsense for every gun dealer to be responsible for their product and ensure they do not unwittingly provide guns to people with dangerous intentions.” 

“Our existing laws allow far too many guns to find their way into the hands of individuals who pose a threat to our communities. I’m teaming up with Congresswoman Kelly to introduce the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to ensure that people who shouldn’t have guns aren’t able to get them, including by requiring licensed firearm dealers to take steps to prevent the guns in their inventory from being stolen and trafficked for use in violent crimes,” said Durbin. “Passing this legislation is just one of many actions we must take to reduce gun trafficking and address the gun violence epidemic in Illinois and across the country.”

U.S. Reps. Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Joe Morelle (NY-25), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Seth Magaziner (RI-02) also joined Rep. Kelly in leading the Federal Firearm Licensee Act.

“Gun violence devastates every one of our communities — it is now the number one cause of death for children and teens in the United States — and as lawmakers, we have an obligation to end the epidemic and save lives,” said Rep. Dean. “We know that background checks are a crucial way we can prevent firearms from ending up in the wrong hands, but current loopholes in federal law allow individuals to buy firearms online and at gun shows without undergoing background checks. The Federal Firearm Licensee Act would close that loophole. I am grateful to Congresswoman Kelly for her partnership on this commonsense way to shield Americans from gun violence.”

“We face an epidemic of gun violence in our country—it’s well-past time we put additional safeguards on licensed gun dealers to stop dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands,” said Rep. Morelle. “I have always been a staunch advocate for holding firearms dealers accountable for their role in gun trafficking, and I’m proud to sponsor this legislation—which includes provisions of my Gun Theft Prevention Act—to help reach the common-sense goal of stopping gun violence once and for all.”

“Our outdated federal firearm licensing laws have not kept pace with the rise of rogue gun dealers and advancements in technology, which criminals exploit to obtain firearms illegally,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our legislation would take a comprehensive, commonsense approach to strengthen background checks, enhance dealer accountability, and close loopholes that allow firearms to end up in the wrong hands. I’m proud to work with Rep. Kelly to advance responsible reforms that will help curb illegal gun trafficking and improve public safety.”

“Keeping Rhode Islanders safe means making sure guns don’t end up in the wrong hands,” said Rep. Magaziner. “I’m joining my colleagues to support the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to update decades-old laws to crack down on rogue gun dealers and give law enforcement stronger tools to stop gun trafficking and violence in Ocean State and across the country.”

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act is endorsed by several leading gun safety advocacy groups including GIFFORDS, Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady United, Community Justice, March for Our Lives and Moms Demand Action.

“Every day, gun crime takes lives and hurts communities, made worse by weak, outdated laws that let firearms fall into dangerous hands,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director at GIFFORDS. “The Federal Firearm Licensee Act addresses this by modernizing our systems and closing dangerous loopholes. We thank Representative Kelly for her leadership and urge Congress to act swiftly to protect Americans from the next tragedy.”

“It’s still way too easy for shady gun dealers to exploit cracks in the system and sell guns to criminals,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “This bill would give ATF more tools to hold rogue gun dealers accountable for putting profits ahead of public safety, and we applaud Representative Kelly and Senator Durbin’s tireless work to advance it.”

“To free America from gun violence once and for all, we must address the issue at its source: the unfettered flow of guns into impacted communities,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady United. “Regulating gun sales and holding negligent and irresponsible gun dealers responsible is essential to preventing the diversion of firearms into the criminal market and addressing the gun violence epidemic. Brady thanks Representative Robin Kelly for reintroducing the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to reform the gun industry and protect our communities.”

“If we want to ensure that firearms are not sold improperly or trafficked across state lines, we must better regulate federally licensed firearms dealers,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, Vice President of Police at Community Justice. “We thank Congresswoman Kelly for introducing the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to modernize the law, better regulate the gun industry, and improve public safety.”

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act modernizes regulations for existing licensed gun dealers by:

• Requiring physical security measures to prevent firearm theft.
• Clarifies the standards by which licensed dealers, and their employees, are assessed for purposes of license issuance and renewal.
• Repeals long-standing Appropriations Riders that have impeded enforcement of existing law by barring the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) from using funds to require licensed dealers to conduct physical firearm inventories and prohibiting the public disclosure of firearms trace data.
• Increases record retention and electronic data management and sharing for background checks.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) reintroduced two bills to expand and increase access to employment opportunities for underserved youth. The Helping to Encourage Real Opportunity (HERO) for Youth Act and the Assisting in Developing (AID) Youth Employment Act will increase federal resources for communities seeking to create or grow employment programs and provide tax incentives to businesses and employers to hire and retain youth from economically distressed areas.

“Our youth is our future,” said Kelly. “I’m proud to partner with Senators Durbin and Duckworth once again to introduce two pieces of legislation that will invest in economic opportunities for our youth. Better job options can help break a cycle of poverty and address roadblocks that prevent young people from reaching their full potential.”

“To invest in our future, we must invest in the next generation. Increasing youth employment opportunities can address poverty and crime across Illinois while setting up our state’s youngest residents for a brighter future,” said Durbin. “Congresswoman Kelly, Senator Duckworth, and I are reintroducing the HERO for Youth Act and the AID Youth Employment Act to boost federal resources for youth employment programs and incentivize businesses to hire, retain, and mentor youth.”

“Far too many young Americans live in neighborhoods that lack good job opportunities and struggle with all-too-commonplace violence and danger,” said Duckworth. “It doesn’t have to be that way, but it’s not going to get better unless we work together to do something about it. I’m so proud to join Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Kelly to reintroduce these bills that would help open up new economic opportunities for every American, no matter where they live or what community they grew up in.”

For many young people, lack of job experience is a prohibitive disadvantage for potential employers, which perpetuates vicious cycles of unemployment and poverty in their communities, further limiting potential for further economic growth. In 2022, 13 percent of youth between the ages of 18-24 were neither employed nor in school, and Native American, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and Black youth, as well as youth with disabilities, were disproportionately impacted. Barriers to employment at a young age have devastating consequences on the long-term employment prospects of opportunity youth, including lower lifetime earnings, higher rates of incarceration, and opioid addiction. 

There is clear evidence of a correlation in communities where high rates of poverty, gun violence, and chronic unemployment among youth are prevalent. A 2017 study found that among youth participating in Chicago’s youth summer employment program, violent crime arrests decreased by nearly 33 percent. Providing employment opportunity to youth can have a considerable impact in lowering recidivism and violent crime among youth while improving their long-term health, and economic and educational outcomes. 

When youth are provided a pathway to employment and the workforce, employers benefit too because they are able to train and hire skilled workers. It is estimated that between 2022 and 2032, there will be an average of 20 skilled roles with job openings for every one new worker. 

The HERO for Youth Act would encourage the business community to become a partner in addressing youth unemployment by hiring underserved youth who reside in communities with high rates of poverty. Specifically, the bill would provide a Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) of up to $2,400 for businesses that hire and train youth ages 16 to 24 who are out of school and out of work and youth ages 16 to 21 that are currently in foster care or have aged out of the system. The legislation would expand the summer youth program under WOTC, which provides a tax credit to businesses that hire for summer employment youth ages 16 to 17 who are enrolled in school and live in highly distressed rural and urban communities known as Empowerment Zones, by doubling the amount of the credit to $2,400 and expanding the program to include year-round employment.

The AID Youth Employment Act will make it easier for local governments and community organizations to apply directly for federal funding to create and expand summer and year-round employment programs for young people. The legislation would establish a five-year competitive grant program for youth summer employment that also incorporate access to trauma-informed mentorship as well as job coaches. The program would provide planning grants of up to $250,000 for 12 months or implementation grants of up to $6 million over three years.

The HERO for Youth Act has been endorsed by National Grocers Association, National Small Business Association, National Recreation and Park Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Youth Employment Coalition, Young Invincibles, Food Industry Association, and Youth Guidance.

The AID Youth Employment Act has been endorsed by Young Invincibles, Youth Guidance, and Chicago Urban League.

A one-pager for the HERO for Youth Act can be found here.

A one-pager for the AID Youth Employment Act can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Mike Turner (R-OH), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), and John Rutherford (R-FL) today introduced the Reentry Act, bipartisan legislation that empowers states to restore access to healthcare, including addiction and mental health treatment, through Medicaid for incarcerated individuals up to 30 days before their release. Representative Tonko, Turner, Pettersen, and Rutherford are joined by over 60 original cosponsors in introducing this legislation.

Their bill addresses alarming data showing that individuals released from incarceration are up to 129 times more likely to die of a drug overdose during the first two weeks after release.

“The overdose crisis has touched communities of every state across the nation, and few are at greater risk than those individuals returning home from incarceration,” Congressman Tonko, Co-chair of the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery (ATR) Caucus said. “By restarting benefits for Medicaid-eligible Americans prior to release, our bipartisan Reentry Act takes swift, needed action to combat the disease of addiction and bring targeted treatment to the people who most need it. In short, our bill will save lives, lower costs, and reduce recidivism. I urge Congress to join us in advancing the Reentry Act without delay to combat the disease of addiction and provide hope to our communities.”

“Too many individuals leaving incarceration face overwhelming challenges, with recidivism and overdose rates alarmingly high in the weeks following release,” said Congressman Turner. “The Reentry Act is a bipartisan solution that allows states to restore Medicaid coverage 30 days before release, ensuring access to critical substance abuse treatment and healthcare during this vulnerable transition. By providing continuity of care, we can save lives, reduce repeat offenses, and help communities in Ohio and across the country fight the opioid epidemic. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this commonsense legislation.”

“Throughout my time in law enforcement, I saw many individuals reoffend time and time again as they struggled to break the cycle of substance abuse,” said Rutherford (R-FL-05). “Continuity of care for those leaving the prison system is important to help reduce instances of overdose deaths, suicides, and drug related crimes following reentry. That’s why I’m proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in supporting these important programs that help individuals who are released from prison to receive the mental health and addiction treatment they need right before and after they are released from incarceration. This legislation is smart on crime, saves lives, and reduces recidivism.”

The Reentry Act:

• Restarts benefits for Medicaid-eligible incarcerated individuals 30 days pre-release
• Makes it easier for states to provide effective addiction treatment and services, allowing for smoother transitions to community care and a reduced risk of overdose deaths post-release
• Does not change WHO is eligible for Medicaid or CHIP coverage, just ensures a warm handoff back for those already eligible.

A fact sheet on the reentry act can be found HERE.

More than 130 groups support the Reentry Act, including:

A Little Piece of Light, Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope, ACOG, Activate Your Life inc, Addiction Policy Forum, American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, American Civil Liberties Union, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Correctional Association (ACA), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association Services, Alliance for Rights and Recovery, American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD), Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, American Society of Addiction Medicine, Benevolence Farm, Big Cities Health Coalition, Black Male Initiative, BrainFutures, Breakthrough Alliance of Colorado, CADCA, Center for Justice and Human Dignity, Central Ohio Restored Citizens Collaborative, Christian Love Agency, Coalition on Human Needs, Community Catalyst, Community Oriented Correctional Health Services, DC Peace Team, Drug Policy Alliance, Each One Teach One Reentry Fellowship, EvergreenDaley, Exchanging Pathways, EX-incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO) of Wisconsin, Fabian Consulting Inc., Fair and Just Prosecution, Families Inspiring Reentry & Reunification 4 Everyone, Florida Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants, Florida Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee, Foundation for California Community Colleges, From the Block to the Boardroom, Future Stars of Tomorrow, Gateway Alliance Project, Grays House, Hinda Institute, HIV Medicine Association, Honest Jobs, HOPE for Prisoners, Illinois Alliance for Reentry and Justice, Indivior, InnerMission, Inseparable, Just Detention International, Just Future Project, Justice in Aging, JustLeadershipUSA, JustUS Coordinating Council, KLN Consulting LLC, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration (LEL), Legal Action Center, Los Angeles Reentry Health Advisory Collaborative, Major County Sheriffs (MCSA), MATTERS Network, Mental Health America, Mississippi Impact Coalition, My Meta ReEntry Services, Inc., My Sisters Reunited Reentry Services Inc, NACo, NAMI Huntington, NASTAD, Nation Outside, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Association of Social Workers, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, National Black Harm Reduction Network (NBHRN), National Health Care for the Homeless Council, National League for Nursing, National League of Cities, National Nurses United, National Sheriffs Association, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Beginnings Reentry Services, Inc, Overdose Prevention Initiative, Petey Greene Program, Phoenix House NY, Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative, PrEP4All, Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS) of New Mexico, Prison Cells To PH.D., (P2P), Rainbow Connections LGBTQIA, REACH Medical Ithaca NY, Reason for Hope, Rebuild, Overcome, and Rise (ROAR) Center at the University of MD, Baltimore, Reentry Ready, Reentry Working Group, Reflections of a Reformed You (RoarYOU), Reframe Health and Justice, ReNforce, Reproductive Justice Inside, Restored Citizens FAITH Foundation, Returning Artists Guild, Safer Foundation, Settling Our Differences, Skillsets for life consulting LLC, Solution Partners, St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho Reentry Services, Survivors for Solutions, Süt&Tye luxury services llc, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, The AIDS Institute, The Change Up: Midnight Coalition, The First 72+, The Justice Policy Institute, The Liberation Foundation, The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, The Productive Offenders of Society Foundation, The Returning Artist Guild, Treatment Communities of America, United Men of Color, Unlock Higher Education, Urban Community Unity Solutions LLC (U.C.U.S.), Vermont Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants, Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition, Victory House for Women, Virginia Justice Alliance, Vital Strategies, We Are Revolutionary, Why not prosper, Women on the Rise, WorkingGroup512, Young People in Recovery, Youth First Justice Collaborative

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Trade & Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer (VA-08) issued a statement following President Trump’s announcement of 25 percent taxes on all automobile imports and between 10 and 50 percent taxes on virtually every good imported from every U.S. trading partner:

“President Trump’s latest announcement of a massive tax increase in the form of sweeping tariffs will not ‘liberate’ working people or businesses in America – it will handcuff them to a sinking economy weighed down by the President’s reckless, costly, and destructive trade policy.

“The President’s premise that imposing the largest tax increase in American history will strengthen our economy and lower prices will undoubtedly prove to be one of the dumbest economic policy blunders in decades. These across-the-board taxes will hit the bank accounts of hardworking families and the bottom lines of small businesses as the price of every goods increases, from consumer goods like gas, groceries, and cars to raw materials like lumber, minerals, and metals.

“President Trump has no clear strategy to strengthen our economy – his own team didn’t even know his plan – and he sees these taxes on consumers not as a means to an end, but as the end goal itself. This approach simply ignores reality, and it’s why industry leaders, economists, and the stock market have been sounding the alarm for weeks.

“It’s time Republicans join Democrats in taking urgent action to restrict the President’s ability to impose these taxes unilaterally. That’s why we introduced legislation to enforce Congress’s constitutional duty to oversee trade policy, and we call on our colleagues across the aisle to join us in standing up for the American people by ending President Trump’s harmful campaign.”

New Dem Members have introduced several bills to counter Trump’s unilateral tariffs and reclaim congressional authority to levy taxes, including the:

• Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act (H.R.2464), 
• Prevent Tariff Abuse Act (H.R.407),
• Congressional Trade Authority Act (H.R.1903), and
• Reclaim Trade Powers Act (H.R.2459).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Lloyd Smucker, R-PA, and Brad Schneider, D-IL today announced that they will co-chair the bipartisan Congressional Candy Caucus. 

Originally formed in 2016, the Congressional Candy Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of members of Congress who support America’s chocolate and candy industry. The Caucus has several policy priorities including: creating a level playing field for confectioners by identifying solutions to supply chain challenges; supporting policies that allow U.S. food manufacturing to remain competitive on a global scale; and protecting good-paying American manufacturing jobs.

“The U.S. confectionery industry has a remarkable economic footprint in all 50 states, and especially in my home state and district in Pennsylvania,” Rep. Smucker said. “We are proud of the many enjoyable chocolate and candy products made right here in America. I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Congressional Candy Caucus alongside my colleague Rep. Schneider to continue fostering a policy environment that ensures American chocolate and candy companies will thrive.”

“Chocolate and candy make life sweeter—enhancing family traditions, special moments, and celebrations. At the same time, candy and chocolate manufacturing generates real economic momentum across the country and has kept countless family businesses in operation across generations,” Rep. Schneider said. “I’m proud to be joining Congressman Smucker in leading the Congressional Candy Caucus and championing the confectionery industry for future success.”

“Under the leadership of Congressmen Schneider and Smucker, the Congressional Candy Caucus is poised to do great things in conjunction with our iconic industry,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “The confectionery industry is a great American manufacturing success story. The companies that make chocolate, candy, gum and mints employ nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities in all 50 states and support an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. In fact, for every one job that we create in confectionery manufacturing in the U.S., another 11 U.S. jobs are supported in other sectors – and that is the Power Of Sweet.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON DC [4/3/25] – Today Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Amata Coleman Radewagen (American Samoa-At Large), and James Moylan (Guam-At Large) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen efforts to combat marine debris and protect the ocean.

Marine debris poses a significant threat to coastal economies, marine ecosystems, and wildlife. The Save Our Seas (S.O.S.) 2.0 Amendments Act of 2025 builds upon the success of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act—the most comprehensive marine debris legislation ever passed by Congress—and provides greater flexibility to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work with other stakeholders in marine debris prevention and removal efforts.

“We all must work together to keep our ocean free from marine debris,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I’m pleased to join my colleagues and fellow Oceans Caucus members Rep. Radewagen and Rep. Moylan in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will strengthen the Marine Debris Foundation’s critical work and better support projects to clean up and prevent marine debris.”

“In American Samoa, the ocean is the source of our islands’ beauty, our livelihoods, our recreation, and our future,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen. “I’m delighted to support ocean conservation and this good bipartisan legislation, which reauthorizes the Marine Debris Program, and builds on successes that are underway. Thank you especially to Rep. Bonamici for her leadership, my friend Rep. Moylan, and all those supporting these initiatives.” 

“I am happy to support the S.O.S 2.0 Amendments Act and am grateful for Rep. Bonamici, and my good friend Rep. Radewagen, for their support on this important issue,” said Congressman James Moylan. “This bill will significantly enhance our ability to effectively prevent and address marine debris, both domestically and globally. Guam is surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean, and I understand the importance of protecting our marine environment. The strengthening of the Marine Debris Foundation and the improvement of waste management and mitigation infrastructure will have a direct impact on safeguarding the oceans that are so vital to our island community. This legislation will not only benefit Guam but also contribute to the protection of oceans worldwide. I commend the efforts to enact these necessary measures and look forward to the positive impacts they will bring to our region and beyond.”

Specifically, the S.O.S. 2.0 Amendments Act will:

• Enhance the Marine Debris Foundation’s Operations: Authorizes the Marine Debris Foundation to locate its principal office in the National Capital Region or a coastal shoreline community, providing flexibility to better address regional marine debris challenges;

• Improve Outreach to Tribes: Mandates the development of best practices for conducting outreach to Tribes, promoting inclusive and effective engagement in marine debris prevention and removal efforts; and

• Strengthen NOAA’s Marine Debris Program: Reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program through 2029 and allows NOAA to enter into agreements beyond traditional contracts and make in-kind contributions for projects, enhancing the program’s flexibility and effectiveness.

A copy of the bill text can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

Legislation Advances Innovative, Evidence-Based Collaboration Between Physical and Mental Health Providers

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

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Deborah Ross (NC-2) introduced the Next Generation Pipeline Research and Development Act that will improve America’s pipeline infrastructure for current and future energy sources. This legislation strengthens public-private partnerships and enhances federal research, development, and demonstration efforts to advance key pipeline systems nationwide.  Currently, nearly half of America’s pipeline network is over 60 years old, underscoring the urgent need for innovation and investment.

“Pipeline infrastructure is the backbone of American energy security and economic strength,” said Rep. Weber. “With over 2.6 million miles of pipelines, the United States leads the world in safely and efficiently transporting the fuel that heats our homes, powers our vehicles, and drives industry. As we continue to expand our energy resources, it is critical that we invest in research and development to modernize and enhance these pipelines.”

“Nobody should have to worry about a disastrous pipeline leak upending their lives, but half of our nation’s 2.8 million miles of pipeline network is over sixty years old,” said Rep. Ross. “We must be able to trust our infrastructure to safely deliver energy, biofuels, and water to Americans across the country. Our bipartisan bill will improve the safety and quality of pipelines by increasing federal research of next generation systems and infrastructure upgrades.”

“Modernizing U.S. pipeline infrastructure is critical for meeting our nation’s energy independence, industrial competitiveness, and emissions reduction goals,” said Jeremy Harrell, CEO, ClearPath Action. “The Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy by bolstering our existing pipeline network while accelerating the build-out of new pipeline infrastructure for LNG, carbon, hydrogen, and more.”

Highlights of the Next Generation Pipeline Research and Development Act:

1. Authorizing the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Secretary of Interior, and others, to establish a demonstration initiative and joint research and development program for low-to mid-technology readiness level research projects to achieve deployment.
2. Creating a National Pipeline Modernization Center at the Department of Energy, which will foster collaboration with industry and stakeholders to commercialize cost-effective products and procedures.
3. Conducting a program at NIST of measurement research, development, demonstration, and standardization to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities and ensure their safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.

On September 24, 2024, the House of Representatives passed the Next Generation Pipeline Research and Development Act.

Read the bill here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Smith (8th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Jason Smith (MO-08), along with Rep. Wesley Bell (MO-01), Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Reps. Ann Wagner, Sam Graves, Mark Alford, Eric Burlison, Emmanuel Cleaver, and Bob Onder led a letter to President Donald J. Trump respectfully requesting he grant Governor Mike Kehoe’s request to immediately authorize a federal disaster declaration in 28 Missouri counties impacted by recent severe weather and make available federal assistance to support Missouri’s recovery efforts.

Representative Smith said, “The devastation in Missouri caused by severe weather, violent tornadoes, and widespread flooding in recent weeks is heartbreaking and has left many communities in Southeast Missouri struggling to get back on their feet. I applaud Governor Kehoe’s swift action to declare a State of Emergency in Missouri to enable first responders, road crews, and emergency management officials to begin initial damage assessments, and alongside my colleagues, respectfully urge the federal government to follow suit. The severity of this disaster necessitates a coordinated response from both the state and federal governments to begin deploying vital aid, including shelter assistance and other desperately needed recovery efforts.”

Joining Representatives Smith and Bell and Senators Hawley and Schmitt in signing the letter to President Donald Trump are Missouri Representatives Ann Wagner (MO-01), Bob Onder (MO-03), Mark Alford (MO-04), Emmanual Cleaver (MO-05), Sam Graves (MO-06), and Eric Burleson (MO-07). The request from Governor Kehoe was for assistance in cleaning up after the storms that impacted Missouri from March 14-15 this year.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider, D-IL, and Lloyd Smucker, R-PA, today announced that they will co-chair the bipartisan Congressional Candy Caucus.

Originally formed in 2016, the Congressional Candy Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of members of Congress who support America’s chocolate and candy industry. The Caucus has several policy priorities including: creating a level playing field for confectioners by identifying solutions to supply chain challenges; supporting policies that allow U.S. food manufacturing to remain competitive on a global scale; and protecting good-paying American manufacturing jobs.

“Chocolate and candy make life sweeter—enhancing family traditions, special moments, and celebrations. At the same time, candy and chocolate manufacturing generates real economic momentum across the country and has kept countless family businesses in operation across generations,” Rep. Schneider said. “I’m proud to be joining Congressman Smucker in leading the Congressional Candy Caucus and championing the confectionery industry for future success.”

“The U.S. confectionery industry has a remarkable economic footprint in all 50 states, and especially in my home state and district in Pennsylvania,” Rep. Smucker said. “We are proud of the many enjoyable chocolate and candy products made right here in America. I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Congressional Candy Caucus alongside my colleague Rep. Schneider to continue fostering a policy environment that ensures American chocolate and candy companies will thrive.”

“Under the leadership of Congressmen Schneider and Smucker, the Congressional Candy Caucus is poised to do great things in conjunction with our iconic industry,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “The confectionery industry is a great American manufacturing success story. The companies that make chocolate, candy, gum and mints employ nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities in all 50 states and support an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. In fact, for every one job that we create in confectionery manufacturing in the U.S., another 11 U.S. jobs are supported in other sectors – and that is the Power Of Sweet.”

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