MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05) joined Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and 14 of their congressional colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Education (ED) Secretary Linda McMahon demanding answers about the Trump Administration’s decision to illegally shutter the Philadelphia Regional Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and six other OCR Regional Offices.

OCR is charged with enforcing the nation’s civil rights laws so that every student has access to an equal education, regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Until March 11, the employees at the Philadelphia OCR served students in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Delaware.

“We believe that the 50 million elementary and secondary school students and 20 million college students in America today deserve to attend their classes without fear of discrimination, regardless of which state they call home,” the lawmakers wrote.

“While the Department appears to be self-selecting cases that fit the current Administration’s political narrative, tens of thousands of actual pending complaints—spanning allegations of racial and sex-based discrimination, antisemitism, denial of services, and more—from parents and students remain in limbo,” the lawmakers continued.

The letter requests detailed account of OCR’s work during the Trump Administration, its staffing levels and how ED plans to protect students’ federal civil rights after closing seven of its 12 regional offices.

Every Democratic Representative serving the states previously overseen by the Philadelphia OCR Regional Office joined Representative Raskin’s letter, including: Reps. Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06),Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Sarah McBride (Del.-AL), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05).

Rep. Raskin’s letter was also endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, All4Ed, Education Reform Now, EdTrust, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, and the National Education Association.

“As of January 15, 2025, the state of Maryland had 140 disability discrimination related cases currently pending at the U.S. Department of Education, in addition to thousands of others across the country. There is no doubt that the Trump Administration’s recent reckless actions will hinder the Department’s ability to investigate disability discrimination swiftly and effectively. We commend Rep. Raskin for leading this letter detailing the impacts of the staff layoffs and seeking answers about how this Administration will uphold students’ civil rights,” said Nicole Fuller, Policy Manager at the National Center for Learning Disabilities.

“Regional OCR offices are the frontline defenders of students’ civil rights. Their closure will leave families with nowhere to turn and further delay justice for tens of thousands of unresolved complaints. EdTrust applauds Congressman Raskin’s leadership in demanding a reversal of these harmful actions and urging the Department to do its job: protect students,” said Augustus Mays, Vice President for Partnerships and Engagement at EdTrust.

Read the full letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks at a press conference hosted by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) to oppose Trump’s retaliatory attempt to outlaw federal unions. Below is a full transcript of his remarks:

Click here for a full video of his remarks

“I want to thank Jamie Raskin, I want to thank the leaders of federal [labor movement], I thank Liz Shuler, President Saunders, and others who represent a broader spectrum, because as President Kelley said, this is not simply about federal employees, this is not simply about public employees, this is about whether Americans are going to have the right to organize [and bargain collectively], which is an inherent right in almost every democracy of the world, as a matter of fact every democracy of the world. I can remember when Lech Wałęsa was arguing for freedom from Soviet domination, from communist oppression, and he talked about organizing, talked about solidarity. He talked about organizing and bargaining, because we know, as individuals, you cannot bargain with great enterprise. So, you need to be organized, collectively, so you represent the interest of many, not the few.

“I was at the Supreme Court yesterday. It says we are a nation of laws; we are not a nation of Executive Orders. And what we have seen over the last two plus months, almost three months now, is a president who believes he can organize and govern by fiat. That is called dictatorship, not democracy. Donald Trump’s Executive Order terminating union rights for hundreds of thousands of federal workers is destructive, very disturbing, and perhaps and probably, not perhaps, probably illegal.

“Now let me tell you what he’s doing now. Homan, who heads up the immigration authority, said he doesn’t care what the courts say. Ladies and gentlemen of America, my fellow citizens, if we don’t care what the courts say, our government of laws is defunct. It’s not surprising, however, it’s part of Trump and his administration’s unrelenting effort to fire, traumatize, and vilify the patriots who make our government function for the people.

“OMB Director Russell Vought made their strategy clear when he said, ‘we want bureaucrats to be traumatically effected.’ Every day of this administration they have been traumatizing public employees. Now let me tell you they say they want to have an efficient government. What is the worst thing to do to have efficiency in any enterprise? It is to undermine the confidence, morale, and focus of the employees you’re asking to carry out the responsibilities of the government. He went on to say, ‘when they wake up in the morning,’ now this is a federal employee on whom America relies, on who we rely, ‘we want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as villains.’ The nurse from the VA hospital, the villain? The inspector in a food processing plant that makes sure that food is safe to eat, villains? Villains? The air traffic controllers that you pointed out, who make sure that this airspace is safe for us to fly in, because when they fail, we know there is death and tragedy that follows. Vought, who is OMB Director, and one of the right-hand people of Donald Trump, said, ‘we want their funding to be shut down,’ not reduced, shut down. They sent two million letters to say, ‘you can resign.’ Think of every air traffic controller walking off the job. You are stuck wherever you are. If you have a loved one who dies in California, you can’t get there. 

“Congress has passed multiple laws enshrining and expanding the right to organize and bargain collectively. That is the law. This president, however, thinks he can go on governing through Executive Orders as if he makes the law. I’m hopeful that our courts will deem this latest Executive Order illegal, yes, I think it is illegal, as they have from so many of Trump administration’s actions these past few months. Now, Trump said in the election, ‘I’m going to be your retribution.’ Now guess who’s filing some of these suits that the courts have said were right? [points to Labor leaders] Labor organizations this is the retaliation, this is the revenge, this is the shut them up effort. Trump administration’s actions are consistent, however, with the Republican Party’s longstanding hostility to the rights of working men and women to organize and bargain collectively. This action reflects this administration’s agenda to serve the interests of the richest individuals, and the most powerful and wealthy corporations in our country. They don’t need to organize. They have a lot of money, and one of them has $450 billion or thereabouts. This administration does not have concern for the law, for common sense, or for the welfare of our federal employees and the American people they serve, but by God all of us do in standing here, and I hope all of you standing in front of me do, because we want America to continue to be America, that recognizes the rights of individuals to come together and to express to the Congress, to the president, their grievances, and be able to bargain for their rights. That, my friends, is America. And I yield to my dear friend, one of the senior members of the Congress of the United States, who spoke so eloquently yesterday as we sat here arguing for the same objective: fairness and justice. Don Beyer.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s executive order to strip federal employees’ right to collectively bargain across the federal government:

“Today’s executive order terminating union rights for hundreds of thousands of federal workers is part of Donald Trump and his administration’s continued effort to fire, traumatize, and vilify the patriots who carry out the duties of the federal government in service of the American people. For the past 67 days since Trump took office, this attack has been as destructive as it has been unrelenting.

“The architect of this assault, Trump’s Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, made their strategy clear: ‘we want the bureaucrats to be traumatically affected. When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as the villains. We want their funding to be shut down… we want to put them in trauma.’

“In the past century, the right to organize and bargain collectively has been enshrined and expanded through multiple laws passed by the Congress. This president, however, thinks he can govern through executive order as if he makes the law. I am hopeful that our courts will deem this latest executive order illegal, as they have for so many of the Trump Administration’s actions these past few months. I will continue to work with my friends who represent the working men and women who serve our country every day.

“It is clear that neither the law nor common sense nor the welfare of our federal employees and the American people they serve are of any concern to the Trump Administration. Its conduct is consistent with the Republican Party’s longstanding hostility to the rights of working men and women to organize and bargain collectively. It also reflects this administration’s agenda to serve the interests of the richest individuals and the most powerful and wealthy corporations in America.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement regarding the Whitmer Administration’s ill-defined EGLE requirements for PFAS testing as a condition for harbor dredging. There has been a critical lack of communication with communities as well as on the specifics regarding PFAS standards. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recently informed Congressman Huizenga’s Office that USACE Headquarters will not authorize PFAS testing until the State of Michigan defines the threshold for acceptable levels. Without this clarification from the State of Michigan, new dredging cannot occur. The inability to remove material from inner harbors – where freighters deliver aggregate material – threatens imminent shoaling, harbor closures, and further delivery of critical construction materials.

“Governor Whitmer’s ‘act first, define later’ approach to dredging will hurt families, communities, small businesses, and job creation across Michigan,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “This is the equivalent of writing a speeding a ticket when there is no posted speed limit. For this reason, I have written to encourage EGLE to halt its implementation until the impacts can be further discussed and defined, and so that dredging activities can resume as needed.  As Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force and a founding member of the PFAS Task Force, I understand the threat of PFAS in our communities. Our efforts to combat PFAS contamination, however, are undermined by vague regulatory requirements, like this one, which would impact harbors at 14 locations across Michigan. These inner harbors, including Holland, Grand Haven, St. Joseph and South Haven, may not be dredged. As a result, shoaling could block cargo ships and cripple our local economies up and down the lakeshore. Additionally, if aggregate is not able to be shipped in, it will dramatically raise the taxpayer cost of infrastructure improvements.”

Last week, Congressman Huizenga sent a letter to Governor Whitmer sharing his concerns. You can read his letter to the governor here.

Background:

Here is the list of the 14 federal harbors identified by EGLE that are likely to be impacted:

 

Alpena

Black River, MI (Port Huron)

Clinton River

Detroit River

Grand Haven (inner)

Holland (Inner)

Manistee (inner)

Menominee

Monroe

Rouge

Saginaw

South Haven (inner)

St. Clair

St. Joe (inner)

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

On Friday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, announced the introduction of the Improving Disclosure for Investors Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced with Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), Congressman Bryan Steil (R-WI), and Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA). The Improving Disclosure for Investors Act directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to engage in rulemaking that would allow registered investment companies to satisfy their obligation to deliver regulatory documents to investors under the federal securities laws using electronic means.

After introducing this bipartisan legislation, Congressman Huizenga released the following statement:

“The Improving Disclosure for Investors Act is designed to modernize disclosure requirements, building on President Trump’s efforts to make our financial system more efficient and inclusive” said Congressman Huizenga. “Continuing to send customers paper disclosure notices is not only wasteful but fails to acknowledge that digital communications are safer and more effective in reaching all Americans. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission to finally make this a reality.”

Background

The SEC currently permits electronic delivery of certain documents under the federal securities laws, subject to requirements that a registrant provide notice that the information is available electronically, the investor has effective access to such information, and the registrant either obtains evidence to show actual delivery or obtains informed consent from the investor (“opt-in” requirement). The SEC has not comprehensively updated this framework in over 20 years.

In 2023, the SEC announced a proposal that would require electronic submissions for nearly all forms, filings, and other materials. The proposal further highlights the need for a more digitalized reporting ecosystem.

In the 118^th Congress, the House of Representatives, overwhelming passed the Improving Disclosure for Investors Act with a vote of 269-153.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Calls for Gotion to End Project as Company Pauses Plans

Media reports indicate Gotion, a Chinese Communist Party-affiliated company planning to build a battery component factory in Mecosta County, is pausing its permitting applications and environmental studies. Congressman John Moolenaar is strongly opposed to the Gotion project due to the company’s ties to the CCP.

“The residents of Mecosta County have made it clear multiple times they do not support Gotion operating in their community. The company has continuously misled the public about its close ties to the CCP and refused to heed election results, instead deciding to sue a small town that does not want it. Gotion’s announcement it is pausing its application process is good news, however, it should listen to the people of Mecosta County and end its plans in Michigan once and for all,” said Moolenaar.

Moolenaar has introduced bipartisan legislation, the NO GOTION Act, which would disqualify companies based in China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, as well as the subsidiaries of those companies, from qualifying for green energy production tax credits created by the Biden administration.

In federal filings, Gotion admitted it is “wholly owned and controled” by its parent company, Gotion High-Tech. In an amended filing last year, the company clarified it recieves subsidies from the Chinese government. Gotion High-Tech employs hundreds of CCP-members and hosts field trips for employees to pledge their life to the CCP. 

Since the company announced its project in 2022, it has been discovered an executive at the company attends meetings of the parent company’s internal CCP committee. Last year, an investigation conducted by the Select Committee on the CCP, which Moolenaar chairs, found that Gotion’s supply chain is reliant on forced labor that is part of the CCP’s ongoing genocide of Uyghur Muslims, a religious minority in China.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Presents Military Honors to Muskegon Navy Veteran Karl Smith

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar presented military honors to Karl Smith at VFW Post 7729 in Muskegon. Smith enlisted in the Navy at 17 years old, while still attending Muskegon High School. During his service, he was assigned to serve on the USS Halsey, and was deployed to the West Pacific during the Vietnam War. In recognition of Karl’s service, Moolenaar presented the medals he earned, but never received. 

“It is a pleasure to honor Karl Smith and celebrate his service to our nation in the U.S. Navy. Karl was an exemplary sailor who, after his service, dedicated his life to keeping his community safe as a firefighter and police officer in Muskegon County. Brave service members like Karl deserve to be recognized, and it is an honor to present him with the awards he earned in service to our country 50 years ago.” said Moolenaar.

Congressman Moolenaar with Karl and Mary Beth Smith.

Moolenaar presented Karl with the following awards: The Navy “E” Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), the Vietnam Service Medal (with one bronze campaign star), and the Honorable Reserve Discharge Button.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Votes to Avoid Government Shutdown, Support Critical Programs

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar voted for a resolution to keep the federal government from shutting down. The bill funds the government through September 30, 2025 and maintains programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Additionally, the resolution fully funds veterans programs and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The legislation passed by the House in a vote of 217-213 today is a major step in implementing President Trump’s agenda.

“Avoiding a government shutdown is a necessity. The resolution passed today gives Congress the opportunity to work on the issues important to Michigan residents, like securing the border, restoring American energy independence, and extending tax relief for the middle class. This legislation also provides certainty that vital programs Michigan families rely on will continue to serve them without disruption. It upholds our responsibility to veterans by fully funding the benefits they earned, and maintains critical funds to protect the Great Lakes, while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” said Moolenaar. 

More information about the government funding package can be found here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar, Dingell Introduce Bill to Improve Services for Rural Veterans

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would require the VA to ensure veterans in rural areas have reliable access to patient advocates to receive better care. Patient advocates assist veterans with paperwork, services, and appeals related to their care.

“Our nation’s veterans deserve the best possible service from the VA. Unfortunately, veterans know receiving care from the VA often consists of time-consuming paperwork, fighting through layers of red tape, and lengthy appeals. This is especially true for Michigan veterans in rural communities, where the nearest VA clinic may be hundreds of miles away. Patient advocates are an asset for veterans to work through the bureaucracy, and improve accountability in the VA. Our bipartisan legislation will increase the number of patient advocates available to these veterans, so they receive better care and attention from the VA,” said Moolenaar. 

“America’s veterans rely on the VA for access to vital programs, benefits, and supportive services. Patient advocates employed by the VA are an important source of support for veterans navigating the VA health system, and strengthening the VA workforce is more important than ever,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I am glad to join Congressman Moolenaar in introducing the Veterans Patient Advocacy Act, which will increase the number of VA patient advocates to so veterans can get easier access to the support they deserve.” 

The lawmakers previously introduced the Veterans Patient Advocacy Act in 2021 and 2023. The text of the legislation can be found here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar, Scholten Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Veterans Enter the Workforce

Congressman John Moolenaar and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would help veterans and service members finishing their time in the military enter the workforce. The Veterans Fellowship Act would allow states to use federal funding to create fellowship programs for veterans to find jobs with long-term opportunities following the completion of their fellowship. 

“Veterans often face unique challenges after their service when entering the workforce as civilians. The Veterans Fellowship Act would provide them a pathway to gain useful skills for full-time employment in a new career. Veterans make significant sacrifices to keep our nation safe, and our bipartisan legislation will support them after their service,” said Moolenaar.

“We are the home of the free because of the brave. Our Veterans Fellowship Act will expand opportunities for our veterans to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to build successful careers,” said Rep. Scholten. “Our veterans have served our country with honor, and we must do everything we can to support them as they transition to civilian life. I’m proud to work with Rep. Moolenaar to support efforts that invest in our veterans and their futures.”

Moolenaar previously introduced the Veterans Fellowship Act in 2023. Legislative text can be found here.