MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement on the vote to table the impeachment motion against President Donald Trump.

“I have voted to impeach President Donald Trump two times, and each time, the reasoning behind those decisions was grounded in facts, flagrant breaches of public trust, and this President’s repeated refusal to uphold the Constitution and the will of the American people. I am steadfast in my belief that Donald Trump remains a clear and present danger to our democracy and must be held fully accountable for his actions.

“This week’s resolution was introduced abruptly and only allowed for less than an hour between its introduction and the vote, leaving no room for sufficient discourse and failing to meet the scrupulous standards that have been set for impeachment proceedings. My vote — along with that of House Democratic leadership, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee Jamie Raskin, and the majority of my Democratic colleagues — was not a vote on whether to impeach Donald Trump, but rather, a procedural vote to table a hastily filed resolution that lacked the careful consideration such a serious matter demands. 

“I remain more committed than ever to defending the integrity of our democratic institutions and to delivering real accountability, not through performative gestures, but through meaningful and effective actions.”

###

Issues: 119th Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

Republicans know what they’re doing is illegal and unpopular, and they are doing everything they can do to hide it.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

June 26, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Steve Cohen (TN-09), along with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), re-introduced legislation that would ban hazardous cyanide bombs from public lands. Their bill, Canyon’s Law, would protect families, pets, and wildlife from dangerous M-44 ejectors – spring-loaded devices made up of sodium cyanide used to kill predatory animals and pest species.

“Cyanide bombs have proven to be deadly for families, pets, and wildlife – regardless of their intended target – and have no business being on our public lands,” said Rep. Huffman. “People and their pets should not be threatened by cruel and indiscriminate devices when they are trying to enjoy the outdoors, especially when there are far safer, proven methods to protect livestock. Our bill will help ensure this unnecessary use of hazardous devices comes to an end.”

“The use of M-44 cyanide bombs to control wildlife is inhumane and unjustifiable. I am pleased to join Congressman Huffman and my other colleagues in ending this barbaric practice. With the passage of Canyon’s Law, hikers, campers and their pets will be able to traverse federal lands without the fear of harm or death from these inconspicuous devices,” said Rep. Cohen.

“Cyanide bombs do not belong on public lands, and we must permanently ban these dangerous devices that threaten our ability to safely enjoy our natural treasures,” said Sen. Merkley. “These bombs have no safeguards to protect you, your family, your pets, or unintended wildlife from the dangers they pose. More effective, safe, and humane options exist for predator control—their intended purpose—and those should be the only options used on public lands given the harms cyanide bombs can cause to humans and animals alike.”

M-44s are small traps driven into the ground and loaded with the powdered poison, sodium cyanide. Once set, M-44s resemble sprinkler heads, and when triggered, these traps eject a cloud of cyanide intended to kill coyotes, wild dogs, or foxes. As a byproduct, these devices sometimes harm humans and their pets around public lands.

Canyon’s Law is named after Canyon Mansfield, an Idaho boy whose dog came into contact with an M-44 while walking along public lands in 2017. His dog accidentally activated a M-44 device, and Canyon watched helplessly as his beloved companion suffered a cruel and painful death. Fortunately for Canyon, the wind pushed much of the cyanide away from him, yet he still suffers health effects to this day.

“No one should have to experience what my family and I went through with the death of our dog and the near death of our son,” said Dr. Mark Mansfield, Canyon’s father. “Cyanide has no place being used anywhere in the U.S. as a pesticide or ‘lethal control’ weapon, such as an M-44 ‘cyanide bomb.’ All Americans can and should get behind this simple, common-sense law, ‘Canyon’s Law’.”

The Agriculture Department acknowledges that there are hundreds of unintended wildlife deaths every year as a result of these devices. These cyanide bombs also cause severe, irreparable harm to people who have been exposed, either inadvertently or while trying to save their pets.

The legislation was originally introduced in the House by now-retired Congressman Peter DeFazio (OR-04). Last Congress, Rep. Huffman oversaw the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife hearing on this legislation. View his line of questioning with Dr. Mark Mansfield, Canyon’s father here.

This bill is endorsed by Predator Defense, Animal Welfare Institute, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Western Watersheds Project, Center for Biological Diversity, and Animal Legal Defense Fund, Humane World Action Fund, Humane World for Animals.

“Working side by side with the Mansfield family since their tragedy, as well as with other M-44 victims for over 30 years, I have witnessed the pain and loss these indiscriminate devices inflict,” said Brooks Fahy, Executive Director of Predator Defense. “Since M-44s can never be used safely, they must be banned. This is not a partisan issue. It’s a public safety issue.”

“Wildlife Services’ refusal to end the use of M-44 sodium cyanide devices shows both an unwillingness to transition away from archaic lethal methods, as well as a cruel indifference to the threats posed to people, pets, and wildlife,” said Susan Millward, Executive Director and CEO of the Animal Welfare Institute. “These dangerous devices have no place on America’s public lands. We urge Congress to stand up to Wildlife Services and end the use of this inhumane method.”

“Targeting native wildlife with cyanide bombs is a barbaric and unacceptable practice,” said Erik Molvar, Executive Director for Western Watersheds Project. “These chemical weapons need to be outlawed before the next child, pet, or unsuspecting creature is poisoned.”

“It’s horrifying to think that cyanide bombs are still being used today when we know they indiscriminately kill and injure children, pets and endangered species,” said Rachel Rilee, Policy Specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “We should be allowed to hike and enjoy our public lands in peace. It’s time to ban these cruel wildlife-killing traps once and for all.”

“M-44 sodium ‘cyanide bombs’ are indiscriminate devices that pose deadly risks for people, pets, and wildlife,” said Allison Ludtke, Legislative Affairs Manager at Animal Legal Defense Fund. “These poisons — which have injured people, taken the lives of pets, and decimated wildlife — do not belong on public lands, and their use is unjustifiable at a time when countless humane, non-lethal alternatives exist.”

Original co-sponsors of the legislation in the House include Representatives Suzan K. DelBene, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jan Schakowsky, and Dave Min. In the Senate, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Bernie Sanders, Ron Wyden, Sheldon Whitehouse, Chris Van Hollan, Martin Heinrich, Adam Schiff, and Angela Alsobrooks.

Text of the House legislation can be found here.

Text of the Senate legislation can be found here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

---

---

Next Article Previous Article

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson hosted a bipartisan Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony today to honor the courage and contributions of the Army Rangers of World War II. First activated in 1942, the Rangers formed the tip of the spear of the Army’s special operations in World War II. They fought heroically from North Africa to Europe to the Pacific, playing a pivotal role in some of the most consequential battles of the war, such as the Battle of El Guettar, the Battle of Cisterna, the assault on Pointe du Hoc, and the Philippines raid that liberated more than 500 prisoners of war from Japanese camps.

The ceremony was held in Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol and featured remarks from Speaker Johnson, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Collins, Leader Thune, Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries, Senator Duckworth, Senator Ernst, Rep. Miller-Meeks, Rep. Jason Crow, and President of the Descendants of World War II Rangers, Inc., Dr. David Williams. Two Army Rangers who served in World War II, Sergeant Joseph Drake and Private First-Class John Wardell, accepted the medal on behalf of the living and deceased Army Rangers of that war.

Watch the Speaker’s remarks here

Read Speaker Johnson’s remarks below:

Ladies and gentlemen, Secretary Hegseth, Secretary Collins, members of Congress, Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, Dan Kaine, and honored guests, welcome to the United States Capitol. We’re so grateful to have you here today.

We gather on this momentous occasion to honor some of World War II’s greatest heroes, the United States Army Rangers. This band of brothers is so deserving, and this day, to be frank, is long overdue.

They formed the spearhead of America’s special operations in the Second World War, and today we express our most profound gratitude for their courage and contributions with the highest honor that this body can bestow. And that is the Congressional Gold Medal.

We are deeply honored to have here with us today, two of these ranger heroes. With us today is Sergeant Joe Drake, right here in front of me on the front row. Sergeant Drake faced down the frozen tundra of Ardennes, where the 6th Ranger Battalion helped to turn the tide at the Battle of the Bulge.

And from the legendary 2nd battalion, we have Private First-Class John Wardell also with us today. John deployed to Normandy just days after his battalion breached Hitler’s Atlantic wall at the cliffs of Pointe Du Hoc. And I should also point out that in just two weeks, Mr. Wardell will celebrate his 100th birthday.

Also watching from home are three more of these American heroes and we honor today, Major General John Raaen Jr., Private Cecil Lisk. and Private First-Class Edward Stimer. We salute you all.

I would invite you all to take your seats if you’d like to do that, because we have really an incredible program for you today. It’s fitting for this great honor.

In 1942, under the command of Major William Darby, 473 men formed the first battalion of the US Army Rangers. The day these men arrived on the rocky shores of Northern Ireland, the fate of the free world was sealed.

The rangers came from every corner of American life. They were welders and waiters and factory hands and musicians. They were ordinary men called to extraordinary valor, who stared death in the face. And by the grace of God, achieved the incredible and defended freedom.

These were men of steel who with fighting knives tightly in hand, fought back with everything they had. They were America’s best.

From the first shots of Dieppe to the shores of Sicily, to the bloody waters of Omaha Beach. The Rangers led the way as America and the Allied powers clawed back the continent of Europe.

And in their courage, all Americans found something to be proud of and the free world found reason to hope. Today we take to heart the words of Calvin Coolidge when he said so well “The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” We will not be guilty of that.

Today, we remember some of America’s fiercest defenders and we remember their service and sacrifice, and we remember that every day that we rise in a free nation, free to speak and to pray, and to live unafraid.

We enjoy the fruits of liberty paid for by men like these. God bless you all for that service. Thank you for being here and hope you all enjoy the ceremony. Thank you. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced H.R. 4074, the Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act. This legislation seeks to improve maternal postpartum health by directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on the coverage of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (PHPT) for postpartum mothers under the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act.
“Far too often, women’s postpartum health concerns are overlooked or dismissed, despite the serious and lasting impact they can have on quality of life,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “The Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act is a commonsense step toward making Pelvic Health Physical Therapy more accessible for new mothers, especially those who rely on Medicaid. By ensuring that women receive the care and support they need after giving birth, we’re investing in stronger families and healthier communities.”
“As a husband, father, and grandfather, I recognize the importance of supporting postpartum women,” said Congressman Bacon. “Our care for women should extend to postpartum recovery, to ensure that they are living without pain or discomfort, especially when the therapy available is highly effective.”
Quality postpartum care for mothers is vital for their long-term health and well-being, and many suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction and diastasis recti abdominis, conditions that can be severely painful. This is treatable with Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, but many women are unaware of the therapy available to them. When working with a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, women receive a treatment plan to improve muscle control and mobility, aid in tissue repair and recovery from cesarean sections. 
H.R. 4074 would be a step towards making quality postpartum care available to all women. With approximately three million births in the United States every year, there are three million women who could benefit from Pelvic Health Physical Therapy in their recovery. The bill is supported by health care professionals and physical therapists, including the American Physical Therapy Association.
“APTA Pelvic Health is proud to continue our collaboration with Congress in advancing the recognition of pelvic health physical therapy for women during both prenatal and postnatal care,” said Kim Parker-Guerrero, PT, DPT, president-elect of the academy. “This important legislation will ensure new mothers have access to the vital education and support needed to engage with pelvic health physical therapy, helping to prevent issues that might arise without early intervention and care.”
“I’m excited for the reintroduction of the perinatal bill, H.R. 4074,” said Gail Zitterkopf, PT, DPT, government relations chair for APTA Pelvic Health. “This grassroots-inspired bill will positively impact and enhance lives through ensuring pelvic health physical therapy for those who are pregnant.”
The text of the legislation can be found HERE.
###
 

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

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom McClintock lauded the secretarial order signed yesterday by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, ordering the National Park Service to enhance coordination between the parks and the Gateway communities that rely on them.

At signing ceremonies at the Department of Interior, McClintock said “Our gateway communities depend on tourism for a large part of their economies.  Many make their livelihoods by making visitor stays as comfortable and enjoyable as humanly possible.  They comprise people who have spent their whole lives in and around Yosemite National Park and know it far better than the park employees who rotate in and out every few years.  And yet, one of the greatest frustrations they have expressed to me is that they feel largely ignored and excluded from decisions that directly affect the park, its visitors, their local businesses and their communities.

“The secretarial order signed today changes that relationship fundamentally and directs park management to work in close consultation and partnership with the gateway communities.  On behalf of those communities, I cannot thank the Secretary enough for listening to our concerns and acting so decisively on them.”

McClintock continued, “I am confident that this secretarial order ushers in a new era of cooperation between the park and our local communities.  Secretary Burgum has said that on his future visits, he intends also to meet with the gateway communities to get their candid assessments of management decisions and employee performance at the park and to get their ideas on how to improve hospitality and amenities.  This is a breath of fresh air.”

The secretarial order includes recognizing gateway communities as key stakeholders in System Unit management and planning and fostering transparent, ongoing communication between System Units and gateway leadership. 

The order also designates a gateway community coordinator at each System Unit to serve as the primary point of contact for all matters related to State, Tribal, and local government engagement, regional coordination, and community partnership development.

A copy of the Secretarial order is attached.

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

WASHINGTON – This week, the House Committee on Natural Resources advanced H.R. 3168, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act, out of full committee markup. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and would reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program through Fiscal Year 2030—providing resources to the research, development, and implementation of lifesaving earthquake risk reduction and safety.

“With millions of families living near active fault lines throughout California, we have a responsibility to make sure our communities are as prepared as possible for earthquakes,” said Congressman Valadao. “Reauthorizing this program means better coordination and more reliable early warning systems, and I’m grateful to Chairman Westerman and the House Committee on Natural Resources for recognizing how important this bill is to public safety in our state and across the country.”

“H.R. 3168 renews the critical Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program through 2030,” said House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman. “The program reduces the risk to life and property from future earthquakes in the U.S. I applaud Rep. Valadao for his work and look forward to helping him usher this bill through the House.”

Background:

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) is a program authorized in 1977. It supports activities like seismic monitoring, risk assessment, and the development of building codes and mitigation strategies. The program is managed through a partnership among four federal agencies: the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The most recent reauthorization of NEHRP occurred in 2018 under the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2018.

Read the full bill here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) introduced legislation to expand a Department of Energy initiative that encourages community solar projects nationwide and increase accessibility to energy produced by lower-cost solar power. The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2025 will increase access to solar energy throughout the Tampa Bay area for all residents, regardless of their income. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (NM) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“Clean, affordable energy should be within reach for everyone—especially in Florida, the Sunshine State. Unfortunately, nearly half of all households and businesses can’t install rooftop solar because they rent, share buildings or can’t afford the upfront costs.

“That’s where community solar comes in. It allows neighbors to share the benefits of nearby solar projects—saving them money on their electric bills without needing solar panels on their own roof.

“This bill helps expand these initiatives, especially for working families. It supports states and local governments, creates jobs, and helps cut harmful pollution. By boosting access to shared solar energy and investing in storage, each community solar project creates $14 million in local economic investment and over 90 jobs.

“I’m proud to stand with my Congressional partners and dedicated advocates in fighting for a cleaner, healthier and more affordable energy future for all,” said Rep. Castor.

“As the climate crisis intensifies and Republican lawmakers push to cut clean energy funding, fighting for practical solutions like community solar is more critical than ever,” said Sen. Luján. “I’m proud to reintroduce the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act to expand access to solar power through community solar projects for all Americans and create more good-paying, clean energy jobs. This bill is a step forward in combating the climate crisis, and I look forward to working with Representative Castor to get this bill passed.”

A full list of supporting quotes can be found here.

House Cosponsors: Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), and Paul Tonko (NY-21).

Supporting Organizations: Coalition for Community Solar Access, Evergreen Action, GreenLatinos, League of Conservation Voters, Moms Clean Air Force, Natural Resources Defense Council, New Mexico Climate Investment Center, Sierra Club, Solar Energy Industries Association, WE ACT for Environmental Justice

View the legislative text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

As the U.S. Congress continues to deliberate on a reconciliation package to deliver to President Trump’s desk ahead of July 4, Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) penned an op-ed on the package’s benefits for America’s electric grid. 

Read his full op-ed in the Washington Examiner here or below.

The intense heat wave battering the United States pushes America’s electric grid to the brink and threatens potential power outages. But House Republicans offer a policy change that bolsters our grid and helps protect Americans from blackout threats.

Communities across much of the country face scorching temperatures, prompting power companies to take notice and act accordingly.

In my part of Virginia, local power companies affiliated with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) are encouraging their customers to reduce electricity use. This request appears to be based on an announcement from the TVA.

Alerts of potential breaking points in America’s electric grid are not unique to the TVA and are unfortunately becoming more and more frequent. 

The Friday before Memorial Day, Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued an emergency order directing the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the Midwest grid operator, to keep a coal-fired power plant in Michigan in operation. These emergency actions are authorized for up to 90 days at a time under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act.

Wright issued the order to minimize the risk of blackouts ahead of the high electricity demand expected this summer.

MISO runs North to South from Manitoba and Michigan down to Louisiana and a portion of East Texas. 

Notwithstanding keeping the plant in Michigan open, the New Orleans metro area suffered a large and unexpected power outage during Memorial Day weekend. At the blackout’s peak, more than 100,000 customers lost electricity.

According to news website Axios, utilities knew high demand was likely that weekend. However, they had no extra power capacity. When one plant went down, their customers were plunged into darkness.

Reports confirmed that two of the region’s nuclear power plants lost connection to the grid. One was due to expected maintenance, while the other was unexpected. Constrained by a lack of energy supply, grid operators cut power to customers in New Orleans.

Entergy, an electric utility company in the region, said that the forced outages directed by MISO were done to prevent a larger scale and more prolonged power outage from impacting the electric grid.

This blackout was not the only major power outage in recent memory.

On April 28, Portugal and Spain witnessed the worst blackout in their history, affecting 55 million people, per British newspaper The Guardian.

Airports shut down, cars drove on streets without traffic lights, hospitals resorted to backup generators and some people were stuck in elevators!

The Iberian Peninsula blackout continues to be investigated. Lots of finger-pointing is going on between Spain’s grid operator, the government and plant operators. But it is interesting to note that on April 16, Spain reported its first weekday where its national power grid was 100% reliant on renewable power.

A coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.

Coincidentally, in a recent Virginia Tech press release, professor and Power and Energy Center director Dr. Ali Mehrizi-Sani highlighted how the systems that control these clean energy sources are more susceptible to blackouts.

As parts of the world transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, the lack of seamless grid adaptation to the use of these sources, as illustrated by the blackout in Spain and Portugal and by experts like Dr. Mehrizi-Sani, threatens destabilization of electric grids and more blackouts.

Leftist policies that attempted to gut our grid’s reliance on fossil fuels and convert to renewables have pushed America’s electric grid to the brink.

Federal policies, like the Obama-era “War on Coal” and the Biden Administration’s so-called Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), shunning reliable baseload forms of energy like coal and natural gas have made our electric grid more vulnerable to failure.  

But House Republicans offer a potential policy change that levels the playing field and openly welcomes baseload power.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act curtails some IRA tax credits which disincentivize coal and natural gas power plants. We maintain the incentives for nuclear because of its significant potential for baseload power.

Republicans also create an energy project insurance pool to help protect energy investors from permits being revoked for coal, oil, critical minerals, natural gas or nuclear installations.

This de-risking compensation fund will make it harder for federal policies to discourage and phase out these reliable energy sources.

As extreme summer heat continues to threaten potential power outages, we must secure and equip our electric grid with reliable energy solutions.

We do not need to follow in Spain’s footsteps and make Iberian Peninsula-style blackouts the norm.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act helps Americans avoid blackout threats by instituting reliable forms of baseload power. 

###