MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that the House of Representatives unanimously passed his bipartisan, bicameral Supporting Early-Childhood Educators’ Deductions (SEED) Act. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-11), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), and David Valadao (CA-22) co-lead this legislation, which now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Research shows that educators spend an average of $860 annually on supplies for their students. Yet, under current law, early childhood educators cannot deduct those out-of-pocket expenses. The SEED Act would correct this issue and provide tax relief to the teachers working with America’s youngest learners.

The SEED Act would expand the above-the-line $300 educator expense deduction, established for K-12 teachers in 2002, to also include pre-K and early childhood educators. This deduction helps offset the hundreds of dollars teachers spend out of their own pockets each year on classroom supplies, books, and learning materials.

“Early childhood educators often reach deep into their own pockets to cover the cost of classroom materials for their students,” said Rep. Panetta. “The SEED Act would allow pre-K teachers to claim the same tax deduction for those costs that is already available to those who teach K-12. My bipartisan legislation would ensure dedicated pre-K educators have the tools they need to help our children succeed. The House passage of the SEED Act is an important step, and I look forward to the work ahead to ensure that our bipartisan, bicameral legislation is signed into law.”

“Early childhood educators are teachers in every sense of the word, and today the House took bipartisan action to treat them that way,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “In working with early childhood educators across our community, I have seen the time, care, and dedication they pour into their classrooms, and the personal resources they invest to make sure children have what they need to learn and grow. To give every child a strong foundation, we must make sure the educators helping build that foundation have the support they need, and that is exactly what our effort is about: correcting an unfair gap, supporting the educators who have earned it, and investing in children during the years that matter most. Now the Senate should join us in standing with the teachers of our nation and getting this bill across the finish line.” 

“Teaching is the ultimate act of optimism and safeguard of our democracy. America’s early childhood educators pour their hearts into their work, and far too often, their own money, just to do their jobs,” said Rep. Goodlander. “These educators deserve the same tax deduction other teachers get, and our commonsense, bipartisan bill will make that happen. Time to right this wrong and get our bill signed into law.”

“Central Valley families know how important a strong start is for every child, and that begins in the classroom,” said Rep. Valadao. “Teachers spend on average $860 per year on classroom supplies to ensure their students can succeed, but while K-12 educators can claim the educator expense deduction, those teaching Pre-K and younger cannot. I’m proud to see the House pass this bipartisan bill to help early childhood educators cover classroom costs, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to get it signed into law.”

The SEED Act is supported by a broad coalition of education and child advocacy organizations, including the Center for American Progress, the American Federation of Teachers, Teach For America, the First Five Years Fund, and Trying Together.

The bill previously became the first Democrat-led standalone bill to receive a markup in the Committee on Ways and Means.

Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, delivered the following opening remarks during the House Appropriations Committee Full Markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) appropriations bill.

Chairman Díaz-Balart’s opening remarks as prepared for delivery:

“I am pleased to present the fiscal year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill to the full committee for consideration and approval. 

Let me start by thanking Chairman Cole for his invaluable leadership of the Appropriations Committee and for his commitment to ensuring that Congress upholds its responsibility to provide the tools necessary to safeguard our national security. 

I also want to thank Ranking Member Frankel and Ranking Member DeLauro, and all the members of this Committee for their ideas and insights, which were instrumental in developing this bill.

The bill before us today is the next step in our historic efforts to strengthen our national security while reducing spending. Under Chairman Cole’s leadership, and with the support of our colleagues, this Republican majority has delivered nearly $12 billion in responsible cuts to spending under the purview of this Subcommittee since 2023. The FY27 bill continues this effort with an additional $2.7 billion cut below the enacted level. The greatest long-term threat to our country’s stability and security is our debt, and this bill makes disciplined decisions to continue reining in spending. 

Yet, our national security priorities are funded at or above prior year levels. If you are a friend or an ally of the United States, this bill supports you. If you are an adversary or are cozying up to our adversaries, then you will not like this bill.

The bill maintains $1.8 billion for partners in the Indo-Pacific, including $500 million in military assistance for Taiwan and robust funding for the Philippines and our partners in Pacific Islands countries.   

It provides unwavering support for Israel and fully funds the United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding by providing $3.3 billion in security assistance. Other key partners and allies in the Middle East, such as Jordan and Egypt, continue to be strongly supported. 

Recognizing the valuable partnerships in the Western Hemisphere, which continue to expand and realign under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the bill increases support for our friends and allies such as Paraguay, Argentina, and Costa Rica.

As part of this effort, the bill increases funds for counter-narcotics and related law enforcement efforts, including investments to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, which has devastated every community across America.

It also continues strong support for a democratic transition to freedom for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.

The bill supports the America First Opportunity Fund, which enhances United States leverage abroad and enables a rapid response to crises and strategic opportunities. It continues the National Security Investment Programs account, which supports efficient, targeted deployment of programs that support United States national security interests.

Last year, the Members of the NSRP Subcommittee focused on how to responsibly transition PEPFAR programs back to partner countries that are capable and ready. PEPFAR is a great success story, but most of us agree the program cannot, and should not, go on forever. Working alongside the Administration, countries are now committing significant sums of their own resources as part of the America First Global Health Strategy, enabling this Committee to reduce funding while achieving the same outcomes. 

Just as critical as what the bill funds is what it does not fund, and how it strengthens conditions, prioritizes oversight, and demands accountability for every dollar.

The bill prohibits funds to the People’s Republic of China and the Communist Chinese Party and prohibits funds to other countries from being used to repay debt owed to China. It also requires opposition to lending to the PRC within the multilateral development banks.

The bill continues a key provision adopted in the prior year that blocks assistance to anyone that supports, finances, or facilitates the operations of the Cuban military, including the Cuban Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces or Ministry of the Interior. 

It continues the prohibition on all assistance to the Taliban and puts Americans first by withholding funds from Mexico until it delivers water owed to the United States in accordance with the terms of the 1944 Water Treaty. 

Assessed funding for the United Nations is cut by $1.8 billion. No funds are included for the United Nations Regular Budget, and funds are prohibited to: the World Health Organization, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry against Israel, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Criminal Court, and the International Court of Justice, just to start.

The bill also includes a provision to help provide justice for victims murdered in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks, including 50 American citizens, by requiring full accountability for the UNRWA staff involved in this vicious attack. In addition, the bill includes a new provision cutting off funds to any international organization that refuses to cooperate with Inspector General investigations into whether October 7 terrorists are on its staff.

A key measure from last year’s House bill, which was enacted in FY26, is maintained, requiring the Secretary of State to consider the UN voting record of countries in determining the allocation of funds. 

The bill supports full implementation of key Executive Orders that reflect a clear commitment to national sovereignty, a secure border, limited government, and American values, including those related to restoring free speech and ending censorship; ending DEI programs; and many others.

Finally, the bill maintains all long-standing pro-life provisions, prohibits funds to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and prohibits funds being spent in contravention of the President’s policy on Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance. These measures, alongside enhanced oversight and transparency, ensure American taxpayer dollars do not fund abortions, a policy that Americans overwhelmingly support.

Again, I want to thank all our Members for their invaluable contributions to this bill. 

I also want to thank the staff from both sides of the aisle for their hard work.  

Thank you, Chairman Cole.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

April 28, 2026 | Press Releases
Watch Representative Steube’s Remarks Here
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) announced that the Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act, introduced with Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), passed the House unanimously.
“At its core, this common-sense legislation is a simple due-process idea: before the IRS goes to your bank, your employer, your vendor, or another third party for information about you,” said Rep. Steube. “When you can reasonably provide that information yourself, you should be told what they’re looking for and given a fair chance to respond.”
“Congratulations to Representative Steube for his leadership in passing our bipartisan Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act in the House,” said Senator Barrasso. “This bill will safeguard the rights of hardworking Americans and small businesses by preventing the IRS from going behind their backs to solicit personal financial information. I’ll continue the fight in the Senate to pass this important taxpayer privacy bill into law.”
“When the IRS seeks additional information about a taxpayer, the agency should not be able to just go behind their back and do so without their knowledge. But right now, the IRS can do just that,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “This puts the individual taxpayer in a situation where their privacy, their livelihood, their reputation could all be unduly harmed. That’s unacceptable, and thanks to the Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Actand Representative Steube – who has been a tireless advocate for the American taxpayer and focused on holding a powerful agency like the IRS accountable – taxpayers will be better protected. This is not only about a right to privacy but also the principle of fairness that all Americans should be afforded under the law.”
“When gathering information on taxpayers, the IRS is mandated by law to let them know prior to contacting any third parties like banks, employers, or even neighbors. However, those types of notices from the IRS often are vague and fail to give taxpayers a chance to provide any type of defense or details to the IRS. That can leave honest Americans blindsided and put their reputations at risk,” said Rep. Panetta, who also co-led the bill. “The Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act would ensure that taxpayers are informed through carefully tailored, detailed notices, with sufficient time to resolve their issues privately. Taxpayers who have followed the law shouldn’t fear the IRS soliciting sensitive information behind their backs, and I’m glad, and it’s understandable, that my colleagues overwhelmingly passed this bipartisan legislation.” 
The bill also has the support of the National Taxpayers Union.
Background: Current federal law requires the IRS to notify taxpayers before reaching out to third parties such as banks, employers, or customers. In many cases, however, those notices lack meaningful details about what information the agency seeks. The Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act addresses this gap by requiring that the IRS clearly identify the information it intends to request and provide taxpayers with a reasonable time to respond before contacting third parties.
Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

ICYMI from the Wall Street Journal: House Lawmakers Urge Trump to Prohibit China’s Automakers From Building Cars in the U.S.

Today, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and 73 of her House Democratic colleagues urged President Trump to block Chinese automakers from accessing the United States market. The lawmakers are raising concerns over threats to American workers and business, manufacturing, and national security.

The effort comes ahead of President Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese Xi Jinping in mid-May in Beijing, and it follows reports of Chinese automakers targeting the North American market, including the United States. 

“As you prepare for your upcoming summit with the President of the People’s Republic of China, any effort to lower barriers for Chinese automobiles or otherwise facilitate their entry into the U.S. market would pose a direct threat to American manufacturing, workers, and national security. This must remain a firm and non-negotiable priority,” the lawmakers said.

The lawmakers emphasized that the U.S. auto industry is a cornerstone of the American economy, supporting approximately 10 million jobs. They warned that Chinese automakers benefit from heavy state subsidies and exploitative labor conditions that distort global competition and disadvantage American companies and workers.

The letter to President Trump also raises concerns about China’s efforts to circumvent U.S. trade protections by routing vehicles through Canada and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). 

“Chinese-owned or controlled vehicles, regardless of where they are assembled, must not be permitted to enter our market through USMCA or any other mechanism. Allowing such circumvention would undermine existing tariffs, weaken trade enforcement, and erode policies designed to support domestic manufacturing,” the lawmakers said.

To address the concerns outlined in the letter, Congresswoman Dingell and the lawmakers called on President Trump to:

• Maintain and strengthen existing tariffs and trade enforcement measures on Chinese automakers and automobiles;

• Ensure that Chinese automakers cannot establish manufacturing operations in the United States or use North American production as a backdoor into the U.S. market;

• Explicitly prohibit vehicles produced by Chinese-owned or controlled entities in Canada or Mexico from qualifying for USMCA benefits or entering the United States;

• Accelerate and expand restrictions on Chinese-connected vehicle technologies across all vehicle classes; and

• Work with allies to counter China’s coordinated effort to dominate the global auto industry through non-market practices.

In addition to Congresswoman Dingell, Members of Congress who signed this letter include Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Janelle Bynum (D-OR-05), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), André Carson (D-IN-07), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Gilbert Cisneros (D-CA-31), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Lou Correa (D-CA-46), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Donald Davis (D-NC-01), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Christopher DeLuzio (D-PA-17), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Laura Gillen (D-NY-04), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Julie Johnson (D-TX-32), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY-26), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), John Larson (D-CT-01), George Latimer (D-NY-16), Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), John Mannion (D-NY-22), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), Robert Menendez (D-NJ-08), Joseph Morelle (D-NY-25), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Frank Mrvan (D-IN-01), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Thomas Suozzi (D-NY-03), Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25).

The letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Mr. President:

This letter expresses our significant concern with your remarks about allowing Chinese automakers access to the United States market. We urge your administration to take any and all decisive action necessary to prevent such entry.

As you prepare for your upcoming summit with the President of the People’s Republic of China, any effort to lower barriers for Chinese automobiles or otherwise facilitate their entry into the U.S. market would pose a direct threat to American manufacturing, workers, and national security. This must remain a firm and non-negotiable priority.

The U.S. auto industry is the backbone of American manufacturing. It supports approximately 10 million jobs and accounts for 5 percent of our gross domestic product (GDP). It sustains a vast and interconnected manufacturing base — from steel and semiconductors to parts suppliers and advanced technologies — that supports economic growth and middle-class jobs in communities across our country.

The Chinese auto industry does not compete on a level playing field.  It is driven by a state-directed strategy to dominate global markets through government subsidies, below-market financing, and non-market behavior across the supply chain. These advantages are compounded by exploitative labor practices, including suppressed wages, lack of worker protections, and credible reports of forced labor, creating structural advantages that no American company operating under fair labor standards can match.

These practices have already reshaped the global auto market. In 2025, China exported more than 8 million vehicles. Chinese brands now account for roughly 62 percent of the global electric vehicle market.  Their vehicles, which are heavily subsidized and often priced far below market rates, are rapidly expanding across South America, the Middle East, Europe, and other emerging markets, capturing market share and reshaping the global auto industry. 

China is actively positioning itself to bypass U.S. trade protections by expanding its presence in North America. In Mexico, Chinese vehicle imports have surged from 2021 to 2025. In Canada, recent policy changes have significantly lowered tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, allowing tens of thousands of vehicles into the Canadian market annually under a quota system, potentially reaching 70,000 vehicles per year by 2030. These developments raise serious concerns that Chinese automobiles could establish a foothold in Canada and seek to move into the United States market, and these trends create a clear and urgent risk that Chinese automakers are looking to use Canada and Mexico as a backdoor into the United States under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Chinese-owned or controlled vehicles, regardless of where they are assembled, must not be permitted to enter our market through USMCA or any other mechanism. Allowing such circumvention would undermine existing tariffs, weaken trade enforcement, and erode policies designed to support domestic manufacturing.

There are real national security implications, as today’s vehicles are increasingly connected, capable of collecting and transmitting sensitive data about drivers, infrastructure, and surrounding environments. The U.S. Department of Commerce has already recognized the risks posed by Chinese-connected vehicle technologies, including the potential for surveillance, data exploitation, and remote interference. These risks are inherent and cannot be mitigated once embedded in our transportation network.

We have consistently worked to confront these threats by supporting strong trade enforcement, pushing for restrictions on Chinese-connected vehicle technologies, and advocating for policies that protect American workers and domestic manufacturing. This is a bipartisan issue that is about protecting our industrial base, our workforce, and our national security, and we urge your administration to:

• Maintain and strengthen existing tariffs and trade enforcement measures on Chinese automakers and automobiles;

• Ensure that Chinese automakers cannot establish manufacturing operations in the United States or use North American production as a backdoor into the U.S. market;

• Explicitly prohibit vehicles produced by Chinese-owned or controlled entities in Canada or Mexico from qualifying for USMCA benefits or entering the United States;

• Accelerate and expand restrictions on Chinese-connected vehicle technologies across all vehicle classes; and

• Work with allies to counter China’s coordinated effort to dominate the global auto industry through non-market practices.

We must not cede the American auto industry to a strategic competitor intent on global dominance. The consequences for American workers, our supply chains, our national security, and our communities would be profound and irreversible. Therefore, we urge you to take clear and decisive action to ensure that Chinese automakers are not permitted to enter the United States market in any capacity.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday afternoon, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined a bipartisan group of House colleagues in the Ways and Means Committee room to commemorate the enactment of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 842), landmark legislation led by Reps. Hudson, Arrington, Sewell and Ruiz, among others, that establishes Medicare coverage for innovative cancer screening tests designed to detect multiple cancers earlier and save lives.

Hudson was joined by Representative Terri Sewell, Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, and Representatives Deborah Ross, Kathy Castor, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

The law, led by Hudson alongside Representatives Sewell and Arrington, establishes a clear pathway for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) screening tests once approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Under previous law, Medicare beneficiaries faced up to a ten-year delay in accessing MCED tests.

“Cancer doesn’t care if you’re a Republican or a Democrat, and neither did this fight,” said Representative Hudson. “We got this done because seniors across North Carolina and the country deserved a real shot at catching these diseases early.”

MCED tests have the potential to dramatically improve early detection, particularly for seniors, who account for more than 65 percent of new cancer diagnoses nationwide. 

The legislation earned broad bipartisan support before being signed into law on February 3, 2026, through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026.

Read the full bill text HERE.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03), one of the first two Native American women ever elected to Congress, and Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10) introduced the Truth in National Parks Act, legislation aimed at stopping the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to erase and rewrite parts of Native American history at National Park Service (NPS) sites.

“Growing up, I learned from my family and my community how important it is to tell the truth about our ancestors — even when it’s hard,” said Davids. “What we’re seeing right now is a deliberate attempt to erase the experiences of Native communities and other marginalized groups from places that are supposed to educate and inform the public. That’s unacceptable. Our national parks should reflect the full story of who we are as a country, not a version edited to fit a political agenda. This bill is about protecting the integrity of those stories, honoring Tribal voices, and making sure future generations learn the truth.”

Recent actions at NPS sites across the country have raised concerns about the removal or alteration of interpretive materials related to Native American history, including exhibits addressing forced removal and the federal Indian boarding school system. In some cases, historically accurate displays have been taken down or edited without meaningful consultation with Tribal Nations, undermining longstanding government-to-government relationships and the NPS’s mission to preserve and interpret history for public benefit.

“The Trump Administration’s relentless whitewashing and rewriting of American history is a disgrace to this nation’s fundamental values. Each national park site represents the rich cultural and historic roots that shaped America,” said Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10). “This legislation will safeguard sites in NY-10, such as the African Burial Ground, the Stonewall National Monument, and Ellis Island, and reverse any attempts to erase history at National Park sites — including the recent effort to take down the Pride flag and erase Trans and Queer history at Stonewall. I refuse to allow any sitting president to have unilateral authority in dictating how these stories are told.”

The Truth in National Parks Act would:

• Require that NPS interpretive and educational materials are historically and culturally accurate;
• Prohibit the removal or alteration of accurate materials unless necessary to incorporate new, credible information;
• Restore historically accurate materials removed or altered since January 20, 2025;
• Require consultation with Tribal Nations and other relevant stakeholders before making changes to exhibits;  
• Direct a report on co-stewardship agreements between Indigenous communities and federal agencies to strengthen Tribal partnerships. 

“Under these unprecedented times, when factual history and science in our parks are being called into question, we’re grateful for Representative Davids’ leadership that protects the integrity of the truthful and inclusive stories told within the National Park System,” said Terrius Harris, Midwest Senior Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). “This bill ensures that our Tribal partners, along with others, are consulted effectively and share the collective power of owning our American story. Our national parks are living classrooms where our shared history comes to life, helps inform our future, and inspires us to find the beauty in our country and each other.”

Earlier this month, Davids and her colleagues also questioned Department of the Interior leadership about the removal of culturally accurate information at NPS sites. The letter cited reports of edits and removals at parks in multiple states, including the removal of a Grand Canyon display detailing the forced removal of Native Americans and changes to exhibits at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument addressing the history of Indian boarding schools. The Members requested detailed information on how many exhibits have been altered, whether Tribal consultation occurred, and how these actions have impacted co-stewardship agreements.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7971, the Taxpayer Experience Improvement Act, legislation introduced by Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-01) to modernize IRS customer service and give taxpayers more information about their calls, returns and refunds.

The bill requires the IRS to post real-time information on its public website showing call volume, wait times and callback availability for major IRS phone lines. It also expands online taxpayer accounts so taxpayers can view returns, documents, notices and letters sent by the IRS or submitted to the IRS through a website or mobile application.

“Taxpayers should not have to spend an afternoon on hold just to find out whether the IRS received a document or when their refund is coming,” said Rep. David Schweikert. “The technology already exists. If the IRS has your return, your refund or your records, you should be able to see what is happening. This bill makes the IRS show the wait times, offer better callback options and stop making taxpayers guess.”

The bill would:

• Require the IRS to publish real-time call volume and wait-time information for applicable phone number extensions.
• Show how many callers are speaking with an IRS representative, how many are using an automated system and how many are waiting.
• Require the IRS to display the longest current wait time, estimated wait times and callback availability.
• Require monthly data on call lengths, wait times, disconnected calls, transfers and whether callers received the service they needed.
• Expand online accounts so taxpayers can view returns, documents, notices, letters, refund status and estimated refund dates.
• Allow taxpayers to respond to IRS notices and letters by uploading their response through a website or mobile application.
• State that by 2028, the IRS should offer a callback option for calls that go unanswered for more than 5 minutes.

“According to a government watchdog, roughly one-third of IRS information technology applications and over 20 percent of agency IT software are anywhere from 25 to over 60 years old,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith. “Taxpayers don’t need technology that predates Americans landing on the moon. We have to make changes at the IRS to push that agency to modernize, to be more worthy of the taxpayers it serves and more responsive to their needs – whether it’s tracking a tax refund, receiving a call back from the agency, or making a payment. Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Schweikert’s Taxpayer Experience Improvement Act reflects his passion for deploying new technology to bring government into the modern era, and I appreciate his leadership on this issue.”

Schweikert introduced the Taxpayer Experience Improvement Act with Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA). The bill now heads to the Senate.  

Bill information can be found here

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 5366, the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act. This bill would ensure that survivors of the Eaton Fire can receive their settlements from Southern California Edison tax free, regardless of when those payments are received. 

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, released the following statement:

“Yesterday’s passage of the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act is a major victory for natural disaster survivors nationwide, and especially for survivors of the Eaton Fire in my district,” said Rep. Chu. “Survivors deserve the full amount of their settlements so they can rebuild their homes, restore their lives, and recover from the devastation they have endured. 

The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act of 2025 would extend the exemption for qualified wildfire relief payments to be excluded from gross income, thereby ensuring that survivors in my district and across the nation can receive the entirety of their settlements tax free. The previous exemption expired on December 31, 2025, creating uncertainty for families already navigating unimaginable loss. 

While this is a significant step forward, there is more work to be done. More than a year after the Los Angeles Fires, over 70% of survivors still have not returned to their homes. Most have faced net losses exceeding $100,000, and many have exhausted their savings, gone into debt, or delayed medically necessary care. The number one roadblock to full recovery is a lack of capital.

That is why President Trump must immediately fulfill Governor Newsom’s disaster supplemental funding request – with no strings attached. But, in the interim, I’ve introduced H.R. 6842, the Disaster Survivors Tax Relief and Recovery Act, to codify the tax provisions included in Governor Newsom’s supplemental request and address the full scope of the financial challenges survivors are facing as they rebuild.

Yesterday’s House passage is a significant success. Now, the Senate must immediately pass this bill and President Trump must sign it into law. I will also continue calling on President Trump to fully deliver Governor Newsom’s disaster supplemental request. Without that support, recovery will be slower, more expensive, and further out of reach for families already struggling to put their lives back together. Natural disasters do not discriminate—and neither should our response.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

St. Helena, CA – Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that Richard Dale was chosen as the 2026 Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion. Each year, Rep. Thompson recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

“Mr. Dale is a great leader in climate restoration and education,” said Thompson. “As Co-founder and Executive Director of the Sonoma Ecology Center, he’s developed the Sonoma Ecology Center into a regionally respected agency working on research, education, and restoration efforts in our watershed. He’s helped preserve thousands of acres of ecologically significant open space and helped to establish the Sonoma Valley Wildlife Corridor. Not to mention he jumped into action after the 2017 fires, helping to create Sonoma Valley Collaborative to support our community. I am honored to name Richard Dale a Climate Crisis Champion.”

Rep. Thompson was honored to award this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of our five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all.

This year’s venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land.

A complete list of 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

• Luis Santana – Lake County Climate Crisis Champion
• Christina Benz – Napa County Climate Crisis Champion
• Sean McNamara – Solano County Climate Crisis Champion
• Richard Dale – Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion
• Dr. Ruihong Zhang – Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion 
   

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) announced the first, second, and third place winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. This year’s theme celebrates the upcoming 250^th anniversary of the United States.

1^st Place – Kinley Roach “Proverbs 3:6”, Granbury, TX, Homeschooled

2^nd Place – Abigail Beatty “American Hero”, Granbury, TX, Homeschooled

3^rd Place – Jayden Phillips “Liberty of 250”, Cross Plains, TX, Cross Plains High School

 

“I am proud to announce this year’s Congressional Art Competition winners. Their artwork reflects the patriotic spirit of our nation as we prepare to celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary,” said Congressman Williams. “I look forward to seeing Texas’ 25^th Congressional District represented in our nation’s capital and the winning piece displayed in the United States Capitol. I appreciate all of the talented students who participated in this year’s competition!”

1^st Place – Kinley Roach “Proverbs 3:6”

2^nd Place – Abigail Beatty “American Hero”

3^rd Place – Jayden Phillips “Liberty of 250”