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

WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson joined Fox News’ Fox and Friends to react to the ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran and discuss the July 4 reconciliation deadline.

Watch the full interview here.

On the success of American strikes in Iran and their nuclear program:

We’re under no illusion that you can just kill all their nuclear ambition overnight. But I think reality has set in over there. We have decimated the upper echelon of their military command as well as their nuclear scientists. I mean there’s not much for them to rebuild upon, but the idea that they would put out a statement like that at this fragile moment is very frustrating. It goes to show you why Iran has always been an irrational actor. They are not to be trusted, but we’ve got to use force. I mean, this is what peace through strength really means. You’ve got to forge the peace through the exercise of strength. That’s what decisive leadership, strong leadership that President Trump has provided here, allows the opportunity for. So, we’re going to be consistent. Our message and our actions are going to be consistent. We are going to bring this to a close one way or the other.

On Iran rebuilding nuclear capabilities:

I think you’ve got to react, and cooler heads need to prevail. So obviously this is rhetoric. Iran is really good at that. There’s a lot of bluster, that’s what you would expect. They have been decimated, and they’ve been embarrassed on the world stage. So, some of this is to be expected. I think it’s more talk than action over there. But we’re going to have to verify that. This is very serious thing. I mean, we’ve been brought to the brink. It should be only a 12-day war. It should be over now. And we’re going to be consistent in our message and our action to ensure that that happens. We have to do that.

On the July 4 reconciliation deadline:

If the Senate does its job, not if, but when, I believe they will, I believe Leader Thune has his steady hand at the wheel, they’re going to deliver that product through the Senate, and we’ll have to take it and act upon it. The July 4th deadline is an important one. The President is insistent about it. I have been from the very beginning, and I think we can get this job done. I remain very optimistic that we will.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), a longtime organic farmer and member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Tony Wied (R-Wisc.), and Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to support organic dairy farmers in Maine and across the country. The Organic Dairy Data Collection Act would enhance data collection at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to better understand the costs associated with producing organic milk. 

“Organic dairy farmers across the country are continuing to grapple with volatile markets, persistent inflation, and unfair trade practices that drive up costs and squeeze already-thin margins. Without targeted action, we risk more farm closures, weakened regional food systems, and fewer organic choices for consumers,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “That’s why I’ve teamed up with Congressman Langworthy and Congressman Wied to introduce the Organic Dairy Data Collection Act—a bipartisan bill that would give USDA the tools it needs to better understand and address the unique challenges organic dairies face. As Congress works to reauthorize the Farm Bill, I’m fighting to make sure this commonsense fix is part of a broader effort to strengthen the organic sector and ensure it remains a resilient and competitive part of our food system.”

“I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Organic Dairy Data Collection Act with my colleagues, which will provide much-needed transparency and support for New York’s organic dairy farmers,” said Congressman Langworthy. “New York State is home to hundreds of organic dairy operations that are vital to our rural economy and food supply. By directing the USDA to collect and publish accurate data on costs and milk prices, this bill ensures our farmers have the information they need to make informed business decisions and stay competitive. I’m grateful to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York and other advocates for championing this effort.”

“Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District is home to many incredible organic dairy farms, and I am proud to support them by co-leading the Organic Dairy Data Collection Act with Reps. Pingree and Langworthy,” said Congressman Wied. “This bipartisan legislation will provide organic dairy farmers with the tools they need to increase market choice, and continue to thrive for years to come. This is a common sense bill and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it passed and benefit our great farmers.”

The bipartisan Organic Dairy Data Collection Act:

• Directs USDA to collect and publish cost-of-production data for organic milk, including the costs of major organic feedstuffs, domestically produced or imported. 
• Directs USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to gather and report monthly data about the amounts that organic dairy farmers are being paid for organic milk. 
• Directs USDA NASS, the Economic Research Service (ERS) or Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to publish reports on the cost of production data by state, regional data on the quantity of organic milk production and prices.

This legislation is supported by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Organic Trade Association, Organic Farmers Association, National Organic Coalition, Organic Farming Research Foundation, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance,Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York. 

“Improved organic data collection and reporting, bolstered by this bill, is going to provide more reliable and consistent information on organic dairy production costs and markets. The reality is that this type of information can vary region by region so this effort can help farmers like me plan for the year and make decisions on what actions I need to take on my organic dairy,” said Annie Watson, organic dairy farmer and owner of Sheepscot Valley Farm in Whitefield, Maine. “Representative Pingree continues her life’s work to advance organic agriculture with this bill – big thanks to her and Representatives Langworthy and Wied for introducing this targeted but meaningful bipartisan legislation.” 

“We are thankful to Congresswoman Pingree and Congressmen Langworthy and Wied for taking the lead and acknowledging the lack of data we have accessible for organic dairies. This is a nationwide issue affecting organic dairy farmers of all sizes and backgrounds. Our hope is that this information becomes the conduit to many necessary conversations that the sustainability and succession of our industry hinges upon,” said Lia Sieler, Executive Director of the Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance.

“Family run organic dairy farms provide healthy food and environmental stewardship to rural communities across the country. The Organic Dairy Data Collection Act can provide valuable data collection to inform future support for an industry facing economic crisis,” said Kate Mendenhall, Executive Director of Organic Farmers Association. “We applaud Representatives Pingree and Molinaro for championing this important work.”

“The famous business adage “You can’t manage what you don’t measure” applies to the organic dairy market. The Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance supports the Organic Dairy Data Collection Act as it will provide that necessary measurement by requiring the collection and publication of data that will shed light on the state of the organic dairy sector. Representative Pingree’s leadership with this Act will help facilitate understanding and improvement in the market,” said Kathie Arnold, a New York organic dairy farmer and chair of the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance’s policy committee.

“Organic dairy producers and consumers in Maine and across the country are grateful to Representative Pingree for her introduction of the Organic Dairy Data Collection Act,” said Sarah Alexander, Executive Director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). “A perfect storm of adverse effects, including escalating costs of production, low pay-prices, a labor shortage, unstable international supply chains, and dramatically shifting weather patterns have created a crisis for the organic dairy sector. This legislation is a critical component of an urgently needed rescue plan for organic dairy. Having a clear national picture of all costs associated with organic dairy production in each state, regional production data and pay prices will help ensure that technical and financial assistance goes where it is needed most.”

“Farmers, like all business managers, depend on solid and trustworthy data to make decisions. With the continued fluctuations in market conditions from global events impacting domestic organic dairy farmers, it is more important than ever for producers, stakeholders, and USDA to have access to accurate data. The Organic Trade Association is grateful for the vision and work of Reps. Pingree, Langworthy and Wied in introducing this important legislation, which will result in better and more useful regional organic dairy data collecting and reporting. We look forward to working with the sponsors in the House of Representatives to ensure its passage,” said Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association. 

Background:

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Pingree is working to support Maine dairy farmers in the upcoming Farm Bill. 

Maine is home to a number of organic dairies and June marks Maine Dairy Month in honor of the dairy farmers, students, researchers, and Maine people behind a cornerstone of Maine’s agricultural economy and rural communities. 

In December 2023, the House passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which Pingree co-sponsored, to help students thrive at school and support local dairy farmers and local economies. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Pingree Statement on Trump Bombing Iran Without Congressional Authorization

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland 

June 24, 2025                                                    202-808-6129 

PRESS RELEASE 

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO WEEKEND VIOLENCE, HIGHLIGHTS ONGOING GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION EFFORTS 

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (VI-AL) issued the following statement regarding the tragic shootings that have occurred in the territory over the last few months, including over this weekend in St. John and St. Croix, which resulted in three deaths and three injuries, including a 14-year-old boy: 

“I am deeply saddened by the shootings in our territory over the past few months. My heart goes out to the families of the victims, and I pray for the swift recovery of those injured, especially the young teenager who was struck multiple times. Every life lost to gun violence is a tragedy that reverberates throughout our entire Virgin Islands community. 

“While we mourn these losses, I want to assure Virgin Islanders that my office continues to work tirelessly to secure resources and allow the implementation of programs to combat gun violence in our territory. We have been working on multiple initiatives to address this crisis which include but are not limited to:  

“This federal funding supports critical initiatives including the Virgin Islands Youth Opportunity and Violence Prevention Program which provides community-based after-school programs, job training, and mentorship opportunities for at-risk youth in St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The Virgin Islands Police Department’s Technology and Training Enhancement Grant provides advanced crime detection technology and provides specialized training in de-escalation and community policing techniques. In the Fiscal Year 2023 Community Project Funding requests, my office secured $3.9 million for the Virgin Islands Police Department to purchase three marine enforcement vessels to assist with the interdiction of drug-trafficking related criminal activity through the Virgin Islands as well as safety patrols through local waters and I continue to advocate with the DEA, Coast Guard and other federal agencies to stop the flow of guns and drugs through the Virgin Islands. 

“Gun violence is not just a law enforcement issue—it is a public health crisis that requires a comprehensive approach involving prevention, intervention, and community engagement. I will continue to advocate for federal resources and work with local leaders to implement evidence-based solutions that protect our families and restore peace to our neighborhoods. 

“I urge anyone with information about these shootings to contact the Virgin Islands Police Department immediately. Together, we must break the cycle of violence and build a safer future for all Virgin Islanders.” 

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211 or Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Secures Key Funding in Agriculture Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. 

“The Appropriations Committee has delivered on House Republicans’ commitment to strengthen the agriculture industry while getting our fiscal house in order,” said Rep. Newhouse.  

Newhouse continued, “By adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), we can combat the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to acquire critical American farmland. The legislation provides funding for key agriculture research programs that support innovation in our specialty crop industries in Central Washington. In pursuit of fiscal responsibility, the legislation passed out of committee today reins in spending in areas we can afford while providing producers the resources they need to be successful and competitive across the agriculture industry.”  

“I am also proud to announce funding in this legislation for several projects in Washington’s Fourth District including Astria Toppenish’s Emergency Department, medical staff living spaces at Coulee Medical Center, the expansion of surgical services at Skyline Health, and resources to help finish the new Toppenish Police Department.” 

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $25.523 billion, which is $1.163 billion (4.2%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The bill prioritizes agencies and programs that protect our nation’s food and drug supply; support America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; and ensure low-income Americans have access to nutrition programs.

Below are projects in Washington’s Fourth Congressional District Rep. Newhouse secured funding for in this legislation. 

Astria Toppenish Hospital 

Amount: $1,512,000 

Description: The current Emergency Department at Astria Toppenish Hospital is outdated, and in certain areas in a state of disrepair, including the exam rooms, corridors, nurses’ station, waiting room, the staff registration areas, and waiting room for patients and families. A newly designed and expanded fast track area will include a centrally located nursing station area and four contiguous patient rooms. A new results waiting area will be added which will include four holding bays for patients waiting for results. The redesigned area will improve efficiency, streamline processes, and minimize delays which will enhance patient care and satisfaction. Most importantly, the enhanced capacity will support the increasing demand for Emergency Services in Yakima County by 30 patients per day, and 10,950 per year.

Coulee Medical Center 

Amount: $3,020,475

Description: To ensure the availability of safe, dependable living space for health professionals working at the hospital, Coulee Medical Center (CMC) proposes the construction of 30 modular housing units. These housing units will be located at an approximately 5-acre CMC-owned property adjacent to the hospital, providing critical care personnel with accessible accommodations that are significantly closer than St. Rita’s. Each unit will span approximately 357 square feet, and will include a bed, bathroom, and kitchen. Based on the current and anticipated demands of CMC staff, 30 units were determined as an appropriate number to maximize the availability of private living staff while leveraging federal investment responsibly and efficiently.

Skyline Health 

Amount: $3,000,000

Description: As the community of White Salmon, WA continues to grow and expand, so does the need to provide high-quality accessible care. This project will expand Surgical Services by renovating existing facility space and increasing the capacity of Skyline Health to provide new essential services to meet the current community need and prepare for future growth. A modern Surgical Center at Skyline will allow the hospital to recruit specialists and medical staff who will be critical for the hospital’s continued growth of services.

Toppenish Police Department 

Amount: $500,000 

Description: Toppenish, WA faces significant challenges, with crime rates higher than 98.7% of other U.S. cities and higher than any neighboring cities in the region. This underscores the urgent need for proper police infrastructure to support the department and the nearly 10,000 residents it serves. The City has approved the purchase of a building to serve as a permanent police precinct. The total cost for the purchase and renovation of this building is estimated at $2.5 million. The City is seeking $500,000 in funding to complete the necessary interior and exterior renovations to bring the precinct online. The completion of this project will not only create a more effective Police Department but also help reduce the City’s annual operating deficit. The current temporary building costs the City $15,000 per month, further straining the budget. By moving to a permanent facility, the City can allocate resources more efficiently and improve public safety.

Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here. 

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

WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 2481, the Romance Scam Prevention Act. Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the bipartisan legislation in April alongside Reps. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Craig Goldman (TX-12). This bill would require dating apps and services to issue fraud ban notifications to users who have interacted with a person removed from the app for fraudulent activity.

Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced the companion bill in the Senate, which passed out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on March 12, 2025.

“Millions of Americans use online dating platforms to connect with romantic partners, but unfortunately, they’ve also become a way for scammers to target and exploit unsuspecting victims,” said Congressman Valadao. “As criminals become more sophisticated, it’s important we have safeguards in place to protect users. The Romance Scam Prevention Act is a bipartisan effort to enhance online safety and combat financial fraud, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get this bill across the finish line.”

“Online dating services are being used as a platform for bad actors to target and exploit individuals, yet protections continue to lag behind,” said Rep. Pettersen. “Notifying users if they have been in contact with a potential scammer is a basic security feature that every online dating service should provide. This bipartisan bill will help reduce online crime and keep people safe from online scammers. I’m grateful this legislation has passed the House with bipartisan support, and I will keep working to see it signed into law.”

“These aren’t just creepy or shady tactics—they are life-ruining attacks that disproportionately target the elderly, as well as young men and women,” said Rep. Suozzi. “As a father, a former mayor and as a member of Congress, I’ll never stop fighting to protect people from exploitation—online or anywhere else.”

Congressman Valadao spoke on the House Floor during debate on the legislation. Watch his remarks here or read as prepared below:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise to urge support for my bill, the Romance Scam Prevention Act. 

Every year, millions of Americans from all ages and backgrounds use dating apps and websites to make connections. For many, online dating has made it easier to build relationships, but unfortunately there are countless stories of criminals using these sites for fraudulent activity.

While it’s sadly common to see users lie about things like their age or occupation, romance scammers use fake profiles to develop connections and emotionally or financially exploit unsuspecting users.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost over $1.1 billion in 2023 alone, with senior citizens being the most at-risk age group.

There have been countless stories of people being conned out of their entire life savings, all because they believed they had found love online.

People who meet online often take their conversations to other communication platforms and might not know they are talking to someone who has been removed. 

This bill requires dating platforms to issue fraud ban notifications to users who have interacted with an account who has been removed for fraudulent activity.

As criminals are becoming more sophisticated when it comes to exploiting victims online, it’s time to put safeguards in place to protect users from financial fraud. 

I want to thank Chairman Guthrie and his staff at the Committee on Energy & Commerce for their work on this important bill as well as my co-leads, Reps. Brittany Pettersen, Tom Suozzi, and Craig Goldman.

Thank you, and I yield back.

Background:

Over 60 million Americans used an online dating service in 2023, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that romance scams resulted in victims losing over $1.1 billion. Criminals use false names and stories to lure individuals into conversation before manipulating them to give up sensitive information. When an online dating service provider becomes aware of a user committing fraudulent activity, like illegally obtaining money, the online dating service provider immediately deactivates the fraudulent user’s account. However, individuals who meet online often take their conversations to other communication platforms, so even when a fraudulent account is removed, an individual might not know they are still communicating with someone who was banned from the platform.

Read the full bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, tonight voted against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Related Agencies funding measure.  

The measure would provide $25.5 billion, a $1 billion decrease from the current year, for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agriculture and rural development programs, the Farm Credit Administration, Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the FDA.

It is the third of twelve separate bills developed and approved by the Appropriations Committee that would fund the federal government at some $1.6 trillion for FY 2026 commencing October 1^st of this year. 

“While the measure funds many critical Hawai‘i priorities, I regrettably had to vote against it because it would cut food assistance for vulnerable families and make it even harder for Hawai‘i farmers to make ends meet,” said Case, who is in his seventh year on Appropriations and previously served on the House Committee on Agriculture.  

“At a time when families around the country and our state are struggling with the high cost of living and rising food costs, and when Hawai‘i agriculture is struggling with high production costs and the consequences of the administration’s rash and chaotic tariff war, we should be maintaining our time-tested federal programs, not reducing or even eliminating them.” 

The bill:  

·        Cuts $100 from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and fails to support the cash benefit for fruits and vegetables that ensures women, infants and children get the nutrients they need.  

·        Reduces staffing for the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which operates offices across the country that assist farmers in getting needed federal assistance. The bill provides $110 million less for FSA staffing than what was provided in FY 2025.  

·        Cuts funding for the Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Operations by 5 percent below FY 2025 funding levels.

·        Cuts rural housing and water and waste-water grants.

In addition, the bill eliminates key programs for Hawai‘i, like the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program for Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers. This program helps our local farmers with the cost of getting their produce to the mainland markets. Additionally, the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program, which increases the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale gardening, herding and livestock and apiary operations, was eliminated.  

Case especially objected to large cuts in critical foreign food assistance programs, including $900 million for Food for Peace, almost 50% down to its lowest level since 2002, and $220 million for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program, $20 million below the FY 2025 level. 

“Cutting our international food assistance programs is contrary to our values and harms our national security. Global food insecurity leads to political instability, making countries more vulnerable to conflict and extremism, and helping other countries and peoples with their food needs knits together alliances and partnerships which are critical to our national defense,” said Case, a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.  

Despite these and other significant problems with the bill, Case highlighted positive provisions he requested including important victories for Hawai‘i, including $216 million for the Specialty Crop Pests Program, which helps to protect our topical crops from invasive species. In addition, $15 million was included for Minor Crop Pest Management, which provides expert assistance for effective minor/specialty crop protection. The bill also provides research and education funds for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving institutions, in addition to funding for our land-grant universities like the University of Hawai‘i.  

“Invasive species pose a significant ecological and economic threat to our Hawai‘i, with specially damaging impacts on local agriculture,” said Case.  

“This agriculture funding bill provides support for our local farmers, farmers markets and food promotion programs, which combined will help our Hawai‘i deal with the soaring cost of food, much of which is imported to our islands,” said Case.  

  Provisions in the bill of interest to Hawai‘i that Case worked to secure include:  

·        $5 million for Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions. This program addresses the educational needs of food and agricultural sciences-related disciplines and prepares low-income students for careers related to food, agricultural and natural resources.  

·        $123 million for the USDA Wildlife Damage Management Program, which helps to prevent the spread of the Brown Tree Snake to Hawai‘i.  

·        $3 million for Agricultural Canine Detection and Surveillance of invasive species and diseases, an increase of $500,000.  

·        $1.1 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, including $216 million for combating specialty crop pests.  

·        $36 million for Agriculture Quarantine Inspections to prevent infestations of pests and diseases.  

·        $15 million for the Minor Crop Pest Management Program to provide expert assistance to minor and specialty crop producers.  

·        $8 million for the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program that is designed to prevent water source pollution.  

·        $5 million for Aquaculture Centers and $2 million for aquaculture research programs.  

·        $1 million for Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural Research Grants for Insular Areas.  

   The measure also:  

·        Directs the Agricultural Research Service to continue research on tropical and subtropical crops, emphasizing the need to combat invasive pests.

·        Directs the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to report on existing protocols protecting Hawai‘i from invasive species and evaluate options for enhancing this protocol.  

  A summary of the agriculture funding bill is available here.  

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