MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement following Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran: 

“I am grateful to learn of reports that no U.S. service members were harmed during tonight’s operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon and its support for terrorism across the region poses a grave threat to the United States, our ally Israel, and our partners throughout the Middle East.

“However, I am deeply concerned by President Trump’s decision to order these strikes tonight without first seeking legal authorization from Congress, as required by the Constitution. This constitutional requirement ensures Congress has the ability to weigh the proposed plan, the potential cost and danger to service members, and whether it is the best path forward to achieve our long-term goals. This is especially important given the poor decision making that led to twenty years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan without advancing the goals of the United States and our allies. 

“I urge all sides to return to the negotiating table, stop this conflict, and diplomatically ensure that Iran will not be able to acquire a nuclear weapon.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Joins Bipartisan Coalition to Support Pregnant and Parenting College Students 

Washington, D.C.— Today, Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-02) joined a bipartisan coalition in reintroducing the Helping Student Parents Succeed Act, which will help pregnant and parenting students get connected with child care, leave options, and other accommodations that are available to them at their schools. This legislation is co-led by Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Stephanie Bice (R-OK-5), Julie Johnson (D-TX-32), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), and Zach Nunn (R-IA-03).

The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act ensures that institutions of higher learning post on their website and make students aware of their school’s policies regarding leaves of absence related to pregnancy or adoption of a child, as well as any policies related to making up missed work, lactation accommodations, the availability of child care, and housing for students with dependents.

“I’m pleased to co-lead the Helping Student Parents Succeed Act to ensure colleges and universities inform student parents about available childcare services and accommodations,” said Rep. Bacon. “Our bipartisan legislation will help student parents access existing campus resources, including childcare options and leave accommodations, enabling them to successfully balance their education with family responsibilities.”

“I was raised by a working mom who took classes to complete her master’s in nursing,“ said Rep. McBath. “I remember how hard she worked to finish her degree and provide a good life for our family. The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act will help other parenting and expecting students stay in school and complete their degree by ensuring that they know what resources are already available at their school and how to take advantage of them. I thank my colleagues for their support of this important bill.”  

“Students who are pregnant or parenting must be able to focus on their education and academic success without the constant worry of locating childcare or affording a place to live,” said Rep. Ross. “Our bipartisan bill helps student parents by making it easier to access existing support services on campus. This practical legislation is a smart step toward helping them create a better future for their families.”

“I was proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the Helping Student Parents Succeed Act. This bipartisan legislation helps students find vital pro-family policies such as childcare or paid family leave that are offered by institutions of higher education. We must continue to advocate for families who are expecting and parents across the country,” said Rep. Bice.

“As a mom, I know how hard parents work to build a better future for their families and how many face impossible choices without the support they need. The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act is a bipartisan bill that will connect pregnant and parenting students with the child care, leave options, and accommodations they deserve. This is about giving students a fair shot at success and making sure no one should have to choose between their education and their family,” said Rep. Johnson.

“Access to high-quality, affordable education can be transformative,” said Rep. Hayes. “The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act is about empowering parents to pursue their academic goals without the burden of choosing between their education and the well-being of their children. By bolstering access to childcare resources and parental leave options, we are not just helping individuals; we are strengthening families and building a more resilient future for all.”

“A mom going back to school shouldn’t have to fight through red tape just to figure out if she can take leave, make up a test, or find child care. This bipartisan bill brings transparency, accountability, and a clear set of rules to campuses across America, so parenting students can put more time into their degree,” said Rep. Nunn.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Ross, McBath Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Parenting Students Pursuing College Degrees

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Deborah Ross (NC-02), and Lucy McBath (GA-06) introduced their Understanding Student Parent Outcomes Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to support pregnant and parenting students by collecting data on barriers to graduating college for pregnant students, student parents, and caregivers. It also establishes best practice for institutions of higher education to improve graduation rates and help Americans complete their education.

In the U.S., about 22% of undergraduate students are parents. These students often face unique challenges in higher education, such as accessing parental resources like childcare. Today, Congresswoman Ross also joined Congresswoman McBath in introducing the Helping Student Parents Succeed Act, bipartisan legislation to help pregnant and parenting students get connected with childcare, leave options, and other accommodations available at their institutions.

“I’m pleased to co-lead the Understanding Student Parent Outcomes Act to help pregnant and parenting students succeed,” said Congressman Don Bacon. “Our bipartisan legislation will help universities understand what obstacles student parents are facing while they strive to gain a quality education.”

“Every student deserves access to a quality education, but too often the barriers for pregnant and parenting students can hinder their education,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. “Our bipartisan bill will help identify those barriers and provide recommendations for institutions to better support these students, improving graduation rates and helping them complete their education. This legislation will lay the groundwork for meaningful benefits to ensure student parents can succeed and build strong futures for their children.”

“Caring for a family should never put a limit on one’s goals or dreams,” said Congresswoman Lucy McBath. “Our bill helps Americans invest in themselves and their economic success. It will help support the leaders of tomorrow and future generations by getting a better understanding of how to best support parenting students. I thank my colleagues for their partnership on this legislation.” 

Bill text is available here.

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

Tonko Statement on Trump’s Unconstitutional Bombing of Iran

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

LOWELL, MA — Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump announced unauthorized U.S. military strikes in Iran:
“I am deeply grateful that the American servicemembers who carried out this mission returned safely. Their professionalism, precision, and bravery are unmatched, and we owe them and their families a debt of gratitude for their unwavering commitment to our country.”
“Absolutely no one wants to see the Iranian regime acquire nuclear weapons. That shared goal has guided years of bipartisan diplomatic and strategic engagement to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state. President Trump’s decision to launch direct military strikes without congressional approval threatens to undermine those efforts and drag the United States into another costly, endless war in the Middle East.”
“Acting without the consent of Congress, without a clear strategy, and without the backing of our allies puts American lives at risk and risks further destabilizing an already volatile region. It also flies in the face of the president’s campaign promise to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, end the war in Gaza, and bring home the hostages still held by Hamas.”
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rutherford (4th District of Florida)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Saturday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement on U.S. Armed Forces attacks on nuclear sites in Iran: 

“I am fully behind President Trump and our Armed Forces in the action taken in self-defense, which precludes any need for an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). The President gave Iran every opportunity to make a deal for peace to end this long conflict, but they refused. This is what peace through strength looks like. The world is safer without the threat of a nuclear bomb in the hands of an Iranian regime.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, released the following statement regarding recently announced guidance by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) limiting access to immigration detention facilities:

“Today’s announcement is in direct violation of federal law and is just the latest attempt to undercut congressional oversight and dismantle all manner of oversight related to detention facilities – centers that too often have credible reports of inhumane treatment.

“The idea that the administration is claiming that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Field Offices, where immigrants are being held for lengthy periods, are not considered a location that is ‘used to detain or otherwise house’ immigrants and therefore not subject to congressional oversight is absurd. It is our responsibility to do oversight of ICE’s enforcement, and these new policies will not stop us.

“This is nothing but an attempt to hide the truth that President Trump lied to the American people when he promised to arrest and deport only the ‘worst of the worst.’ When I visited a detention facility just last month, the only detained people I was allowed to talk to were a woman who has been in this country for 20 years and was detained less than a week before she was to be married to a U.S. citizen; as well as a legal permanent resident, who has been here 31 years, is a proud member of the Machinists Union, and is married to a U.S. citizen with three U.S. citizen children.”

Earlier this year, the Trump administration also terminated the DHS Office of Civil Rights and the Office of Immigration Detention Ombudsman crippling internal oversight of the Department.

Appropriations language states: SEC. 527. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Homeland Security by this Act may be used to prevent any of the following persons from entering, for the purpose of conducting oversight, any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security used to detain or otherwise house aliens, or to make any temporary modification at any such facility that in any way alters what is observed by a visiting Member of Congress or such designated employee, compared to what would be observed in the absence of such modification:

(1) A Member of Congress.

(2) An employee of the United States House of Representatives or the United States Senate designated by such a Member for the purposes of this section.

(b) Nothing in this section may be construed to require a Member of Congress to provide prior notice of the intent to enter a facility described in subsection (a) for the purpose of conducting oversight. 

Issues: Immigration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Barragán Holds Press Conference To Sound Alarm On Possible Hospital Closures and Reduced Services Due to Trump’s “One Big, Ugly Bill”

West Carson, CA —  Yesterday, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) held a press conference at Harbor UCLA Medical Center to highlight how Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill — passed by House Republicans last month — threatens patients and puts hospitals at risk with deep cuts to Medicaid. She emphasized that hospitals like Harbor UCLA rely heavily on Medicaid to deliver critical care to millions. The Congresswoman also warned that Senate Republicans are pushing to make the largest health care cuts in history even worse by slashing key Medicaid funding, including provider tax rates in states that expanded coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Congresswoman Barragán was joined by representatives from the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who described the harmful effects the Republicans’ cuts to Medicaid will have on both hospitals and patients. 

“Our local hospitals provide critical, and in some cases life-saving, health care services to millions of Americans — they should not be at risk of closing because of Republicans’ bankrolling huge tax breaks for their billionaire buddies,” said Rep. Barragán. “House Republicans passed a budget that already contains the largest health care cuts in our country’s history and Senate Republicans have made the cuts even deeper.”

“When people are kicked off Medicaid, we’ll see packed emergency rooms and more expensive health care costs across the board. Hospitals that rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements may be forced to close — those that don’t close will face greater financial strain and possible reduction in services. This will impact neighboring hospitals as well — where patients will face overcrowding and longer wait times. The American people should not have to struggle to receive essential care — and House Democrats will fight like hell to save our hospitals and get our constituents the care they need.”

“I want to be very clear,” said Dr. Griselda Gutierrez, Chief Marketing Officer at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. “Medicaid is not a program for people who do not work. Our patients are seniors, children, and people with disabilities, who need health care. Home health aides, grocery workers, child care workers, parents who are juggling multiple jobs— often without benefits, contractors and gig workers, with no employee-sponsored health care insurance options. They’re the backbone of our communities and they rely on Medicaid to stay healthy and keep showing up for their families and for their jobs. Cutting Medicaid doesn’t just threaten hospitals, real people will suffer.”

“Medicaid cuts will have a disastrous effect on Los Angeles County — the largest county in the nation,” said Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Second District. “Twenty-five percent of LA County’s Medi-Cal recipients reside in my district alone. Medicaid is the foundation that allows our hospitals like Harbor UCLA and Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital to remain open and continue providing high-quality care that countless people rely on and deserve.”

The live stream for the press conference can be found HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brian Babin (R-TX)

Babin statement on U.S. strikes on Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas), representative of the Air Capital of the World and co-chair of the House Aerospace Caucus, recently led a letter with 23 colleagues urging United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer and the Trump administration to build on the zero-zero tariff environment for aerospace and defense manufacturing as part of the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft.
 
“America’s A&D companies are global leaders in manufacturing and sustaining technologies across the commercial aviation, defense, and space sectors,” writes Rep. Estes and colleagues. “The U.S. A&D industry produces the best systems and components in the world, resulting in the largest consistent trade surplus across the U.S. manufacturing sector. In 2023, American A&D exports were $135.9 billion, and imports were $61.4 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $74.5 billion.”
 
The letter concludes, “For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Administration to build on the success of the zero-zero tariff environment in this sector by reinforcing such treatment through all bilateral trade negotiations. This will drive additional U.S. competitiveness in the global aerospace sector. We appreciate the Administration’s continued attention on these issues and look forward to a sustained partnership to make sure America continues to drive leadership of the global aerospace industry.”
 
Rep. Estes was joined by Reps. Sam Graves, Adrian Smith, Mike Kelly, David Schweikert, Kevin Hern, Carol D. Miller, Gregory F. Murphy, M.D., Blake D. Moore, Beth Van Duyne, Mike Carey, Brian K. Fitzpatrick, Rudy Yakym III, Jack Bergman, Pete Stauber, Tracey Mann, Barry Moore, Jay Obernolte, Brad Finstad, Rich McCormick, MD, MBA, Brian Jack, Brad Knott, Tim Moore and Derek Schmidt.
 
Download the full letter here or read below.
 
The Honorable Jamieson Greer
Ambassador
United States Trade Representative
600 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
 
Dear Ambassador Greer:
 
We write to commend this Administration’s commitment to restore a robust American manufacturing sector. We are proud to work with the Administration to make historic progress to make American manufacturing great. In this context, we write to highlight the importance of the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft (the “Agreement”) to the United States’ Aerospace and Defense (A&D) industry’s trade surplus, specifically civilian aviation, and its high-wage domestic manufacturing workforce. 
 
America’s A&D companies are global leaders in manufacturing and sustaining technologies across the commercial aviation, defense, and space sectors. The U.S. A&D industry produces the best systems and components in the world, resulting in the largest consistent trade surplus across the U.S. manufacturing sector. In 2023, American A&D exports were $135.9 billion, and imports were $61.4 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $74.5 billion.
 
Comprising more than 100,000 companies, large and small, across commercial and defense markets, the American A&D industry drives the U.S. economy, generating nearly $422 billion in business output in 2023. That alone contributed 1.6 percent to the 2023 U.S. gross domestic product.
 
A&D companies invest tens of billions of dollars annually in the United States, creating highly skilled new jobs and enhancing U.S. economic and national security. These companies provide top-paying jobs in all 50 states with numerous employees, facilities, and suppliers. In 2023, the domestic A&D workforce grew 4.8 percent to over 2.2 million employed Americans.
 
The U.S. A&D industry is a best-in-class example of an America First Trade Policy. It creates high-wage manufacturing jobs in every state and its commitment to innovation sustains U.S. world leadership in aerospace technology.
 
A key reason for American dominance in the global aerospace industry is how the United States has leveraged the Agreement. In the 1960s and 1970s, several competing countries established tariffs and non-tariff barriers for commercial aviation production and its supply chain. Working on a bipartisan basis, Congress and the Administration collaborated on structuring and negotiating a sectoral agreement to establish wholly reciprocal duty-free trade for commercial aircraft, parts and components. There are 33 signatories and 25 observer countries that have consistently adhered to this reciprocal tariff-free regime.
 
America’s innovative A&D industry has taken full advantage of this reciprocity to establish global dominance. Since the Agreement came into effect in 1980, the U.S. trade surplus in A&D has grown over 2,000 percent. American companies control the high end of the value chain, increasing U.S. competitiveness and our trade surplus. In addition, the innovation, profits, and growth of the U.S. commercial aviation sector is integral to the U.S. defense industry due to crossover benefits of A&D technologies and our world-class manufacturing workforce.
 
For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Administration to build on the success of the zero-zero tariff environment in this sector by reinforcing such treatment through all bilateral trade negotiations. This will drive additional U.S. competitiveness in the global aerospace sector. We appreciate the Administration’s continued attention on these issues and look forward to a sustained partnership to make sure America continues to drive leadership of the global aerospace industry.