MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) led concerned colleagues in a letter to Leonard S. Schleifer, CEO of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and Anne Wojcicki, Founder of TTAM Research Institute, asking how their companies plan to protect consumers and their families if either of the two companies’ proposed bids to purchase 23andMe Holding Co. are successful.

The bankruptcy of 23andMe Holding Co. presents an unprecedented risk for more than 15 million consumers whose genetic data could be included in the sale. Previous breaches of 23andMe’s genetic data have impacted over 7 million Americans and highlighted the privacy risks inherent in the collection of genetic data.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and TTAM Research Institute recently announced bids in the bankruptcy auction of 23andMe Holding Co. The concerned lawmakers are writing to obtain further information on how each company would plan to protect 23andMe’s genetic data. 

“We are seeking assurances that your company will adopt the broadest possible interpretation of previous policies and continue to put new safeguards in place,” wrote the lawmakers. “Genetic data, which 23andMe helped make accessible to millions of Americans, provides myriad benefits for medical research, genealogical research, and individuals and families seeking to understand their personal histories. However, genetic data is highly sensitive and its inclusion in a commercial bankruptcy proceeding presents enormous and unprecedented privacy risks for millions of consumers.”

At the end of the letters, the lawmakers posed 8 detailed questions that each clarify customer data privacy policies, and asked that Mr. Schleifer and Ms. Wojcicki provide written responses to the questions by no later than Thursday, June 26, 2025.

In addition to Reps. Schakowsky and Ocasio-Cortez, the letter to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals was signed by Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), James McGovern (MA-02), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Norton (DC), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

The full text of the letter to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals can be found here.

The full text of the letter to TTAM Research Institute can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement in response to Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iran:

“I wholeheartedly support Israel defending its people and nation. The United States must unequivocally stand with the Israeli people as they fight for their right to exist. Our alliance is resolute, and will never waver. 

“It is the stated goal of Iran to wipe Israel off the face of the earth, and they continued to enrich uranium to construct and use nuclear weapons on the Jewish people and the Western world.  Iranian leaders who operated in defiance of the United States, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the entire international community have now been permanently removed from power due to the success of this Israeli operation.  This should serve as a warning to the Ayatollah.  Agree to the Trump Administration’s terms, or suffer the most severe consequences. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the House Intelligence Committee to support Israel in their fight for lasting peace throughout the region.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Through his legislation, The American Relief Act, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) secured about $1.45 billion for the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program. This disaster recovery funding will be used by American communities that received major disaster declarations due to hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in 2023 or 2024. After the EDA money was announced, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“As a lifelong Oklahoman, I know just how much destruction natural disasters, like tornadoes, can cause. In fact, just last year, the towns of Sulphur and Marietta in Oklahoma’s Fourth District were devastated by tornadoes. Now, with this EDA grant funding, communities will be able to not only rebuild but also plan for long-term recovery and future resiliency,” said Congressman Cole.“I look forward to seeing this funding being put to good use and I thank President Trump and Secretary Lutnick for their commitment to helping Americans.”

How to apply for assistance:

If you are a state, local or tribal government, an economic development district, a higher education institution, an economic development organization, a public or private non-profit working with local government, or a public-private partnership for public infrastructure you are an eligible applicant for this disaster supplemental grant program.

Additionally, projects must be located in, primarily serve, or demonstrably benefit one or more communities in areas that received a major disaster designation occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. You can check eligibility here.

Readiness and implementation grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or a Notice of Funding Opportunity is canceled.

Industry Transformation grant applications are due Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.

Applications must be submitted online through the EDA’s portal. You can find the portal here. The required materials are detailed in Section D.2 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Please stay tuned for future announcements as additional disaster assistance is released and available to Oklahomans.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after co-sponsoring and voting in favor of the Recissions Act of 2025, which rescinds $9.4 billion of wasteful spending identified by President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE):

“Responsible governance means prioritizing fiscal sanity and holding Washington accountable. Just as everyday Americans make tough choices and cut costs, so should the government,” said Congressman Cole. 

“This rescissions package is part of that objective, as it will advance accountability and save hard-earned tax-payer dollars. It is another step in fulfilling the promise President Trump and House Republicans made to the American people – to change the trajectory of our fiscal glide path and restore discipline across federal agencies,” said Congressman Cole.

“I commend Majority Leader Scalise’s work and willingness to hear various perspectives on this proposal. Taken as a whole, this effort reflects a shared understanding that the status quo cannot remain, and I am steadfast in my support of advancing that comprehensive mission. This is just the start, as we will continue to reevaluate federal spending and target investments where they are needed most,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the following statement regarding the Iranian regime’s continued aggression:

“The Iranian regime has spent decades threatening Israel’s existence and fueling terror across the Middle East and the world. Its deepening military ties with Russia also underscore the growing global threat Iran poses.

Tehran has never been serious about peace, only about buying time to advance its nuclear ambitions. That’s why I voted against the Iran nuclear deal in 2015.

We must remain clear-eyed about the danger Iran presents and stand firmly with Israel and our allies around the world. It is deeply unfortunate, but not surprising, that President Trump refused to back Israel in this important moment.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) voted against the House GOP recissions package that would recklessly cut $9.4 billion from the federal budget. In addition to foreign aid, this bill targets NPR and PBS funding, threatening these sources of nonpartisan news, educational content, and emergency services for all Americans.

“Republicans in Congress are pushing unnecessary, harmful cuts in their recissions package that will ultimately hurt our most vulnerable communities,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Public broadcasting, one of the main services they’re targeting, is about more than just nonpartisan news and education; it provides lifesaving emergency communications to our rural and underserved areas. Last year, when Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, public radio stations provided updates, shared resource information, and kept North Carolinians safe as they navigated the storm. House Republicans voted to abandon those communities today.”

“The recissions package also puts the failure of Elon Musk’s DOGE on full display,” Adams continued. “While Elon Musk claimed he would cut $1 trillion from the federal government, the recissions package amounts to less than 1% of that. Meanwhile, House Republicans voted just last month to balloon the national debt by $3 trillion in their One Big Ugly Bill. It’s fiscal malpractice, not fiscal responsibility.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement on Israel striking Iran nuclear sites:

“Iran is a terrorist state that has long fueled death and destruction aimed squarely at the United States, Israel, and our allies. A nuclear-armed Iran is a severe threat to America’s national security, global stability, and the existence of Israel. Israel is justified in seeking to degrade Iran’s nuclear program, as an international nuclear watchdog agency just verified Iran is in violation of non-proliferation agreements. The Trump administration must take steps to protect our citizens and troops in the region and ensure we stand with Israel.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Pappas has led the fight in Congress to permanently schedule all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs, securing several extensions of the temporary scheduling measure until permanent measures could be passed.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Today Congressman Chris Pappas, a small business owner, and Congresswoman Kelly Morrison, a member of the House Small Business Committee, introduced the Small Business Liberation Act in the House. This legislation, which was introduced in the Senate last month, would exempt the more than 34 million U.S. small businesses from President Trump’s catastrophically high tariffs enacted on April 2, 2025, which are effectively a national sales tax. Highlighting the urgent need for this legislation, Pappas and Morrison held a press conference with small businesses from across the country, including Mark Carpenter, founder of New Hampshire small business GenTent.

Small businesses across the country have been raising the alarm that the Trump administration’s chaotic, costly, and unpredictable tariff war will put them out of business in a matter of weeks or months if nothing is done. New Hampshire exports accounted for 7% of the state’s gross domestic product in 2023, the highest percentage of exports of any New England state, meaning that New Hampshire businesses are more vulnerable to retaliatory tariffs. 

Earlier this week Congressman Pappas met with GenTent owner Mark Carpenter at his small business of just 12 employees to hear about the impact of tariffs on his business. It’s estimated that because of tariffs the cost of a new part his business is producing will go up by 30%, costing the company another $100,000 just in tariffs.

“This administration’s reckless tariffs are effectively a national sales tax on businesses and families. I’ve heard directly from New Hampshire businesses about how deeply these tariffs will hurt their bottom lines. That’s why I’m pushing legislation that would rein in the President’s indiscriminate, wide-sweeping tariffs announced earlier this year,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “The Small Business Liberation Act would exempt all small businesses from the tariffs announced by the Trump administration on Liberation Day. While the President and Republicans in Congress are turning their back on working families, I remain committed to continuing to fight to lower costs, support small businesses, and strengthen our economy.”

“Small businesses across the country have made clear: Trump’s tariffs are posing an existential threat to their business,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “Today, we’re introducing legislation to give them the immediate relief they need to survive. Article 1 of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to levy tariffs – and it’s time Congress reclaims its power and does its job. This bill has now been introduced in the House and the Senate – and we need the Republican majority to stand up for America’s 34 million small businesses and bring this to a vote immediately. Our small business owners don’t have the luxury of time – we need to act now.”

This legislation is endorsed by Small Business Majority and Main Street Alliance.

“Small Business Majority’s research found that 53% of small businesses are concerned about tariffs negatively impacting their business and 77% are concerned about having a negative impact on the U.S. economy as a whole. Small Business Majority’s research found that 53% of small businesses are concerned about tariffs negatively impacting their business and 77% are concerned about having a negative impact on the U.S. economy as a whole,” said John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO of Small Business Majority. “These concerns aren’t theoretical – millions of small firms are struggling right now with increased costs, finding new sources of supplies and navigating the uncertainty of tariffs that are on one day and put on hold the next. Small businesses have nowhere else to turn for help but Congress, and they need lawmakers to step in and stop this paralyzing and destructive cycle before irreparable harm is done to our nation’s job creators.”

“Main Street Alliance members from across the US have been contacting our team about the real impact of tariffs on their businesses. 81.5% of respondents to our recent survey indicated that they will raise prices on consumers to offset the costs from tariffs. 31.5% of respondents indicated that they would lay off employees as a result of the tariffs. The continued unpredictability, self-dealing, and conflicting rationale for the trade war will hollow out Main Street and large Corporations will pick up the scraps. That’s why MSA strongly supports the Small Business Liberation Act. Let’s get it done,” said Richard Trent, Main Street Alliance Executive Director.

Watch the press conference here. 

Read the full text of the bill here.

Background:  

Pappas has loudly and strongly opposed President Trump’s sweeping tariffs on New Hampshire’s #1 trading partner, Canada, and U.S. allies. In April, Pappas joined colleagues to highlight the negative impact President Trump’s widespread tariffs will have on New Hampshire’s small business community and how they will raise costs for Granite Staters, calling on the administration to reverse course. Pappas has signed two discharge petitions to force a vote on legislation to overturn the Administration’s harmful tariffs on Mexico and Canada, the U.S.’s two biggest trading partners. He is also a cosponsor of the Prevent Tariffs Abuse Act, which amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to explicitly state that the authority granted to the President under the Act does not include the authority to impose duties, tariffs, or quotas on imports to the US.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) led his congressional colleagues in sending a letter to the Trump administration to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and raise serious questions about how much the President’s upcoming military parade will cost and impact readiness. The letter was signed by Crow, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), and 18 other members.

“We fully support commemorating the Army’s founding. However, the size, scope, and execution of the upcoming 250th Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., raise serious concerns, at a time when the Army faces severe budget constraints, and the Trump administration is supposedly focused on reducing unnecessary government spending,” the letter reads.

“Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to our troops who put on the uniform. The Army’s 250th birthday is an important milestone worthy of recognition, but President Trump is doing it wrong. We should not be pulling thousands of troops away from their training and their families so the President can boost his ego. Spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars on Donald Trump’s vanity parade, at the same time this administration is firing veterans and cutting the VA, is wrong,” said Congressman Crow. 

Estimates say this parade will cost upwards of $45 million, and could require millions to repair the streets. Over 6,600 soldiers will be brought in from around the country to participate in this weekend’s event. Additionally, hundreds of ground equipment and aircraft will be moved from strategic positions around the country to D.C. for this event, potentially impacting military readiness. The president has long desired a personal military parade, and will come at the taxpayer expense while this administration claims it is prioritizing rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse.

A PDF of the letter can be found here, with full text appearing below: 

June 11, 2025

Dear Secretary Driscoll, 

We are excited to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States Army. Since its founding on June 14, 1775, the Army has served as a bedrock of American strength—defending liberty and responding to crises around the world. As Members of Congress, we join the nation in honoring this extraordinary legacy and the soldiers who uphold it. 

We fully support commemorating the Army’s founding. However, the size, scope, and execution of the upcoming 250th Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., raise serious concerns, at a time when the Army faces severe budget constraints, and the Trump administration is supposedly focused on reducing unnecessary government spending. Given President Trump’s longstanding personal desire for a military parade, we have important questions about the pressure that may have been put on the Army to plan a far more militaristic parade with greater cost and operational impact than the Army would have independently chosen. 

We also have important questions regarding the cost, funding, operational justification, and the treatment of participating troops. Cutting costs at the margin by not serving soldiers hot meals, while sending dozens of unnecessary armored vehicles, does not prioritize the troops and is irresponsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. A celebration of this magnitude must reflect our principles: respect for service, fiscal responsibility, and a clear-eyed view of readiness. 

To that end, we request your response to the following: 

Funding Sources  

• What is the total estimated cost of the parade?  
• What is the estimated cost for each unit participating? Please provide sources of funding for personnel transportation, lodging, meals, equipment transport, and other associated costs for each participating unit. 

Troop Accommodation  

• Why are soldiers being housed on cots in federal office buildings instead of standard military or contracted lodging? How much money does this save compared to housing them in hotels?
• Why are soldiers being provided MREs for breakfast and lunch, with only one hot dinner meal each day?  
• How much money is the Army saving by only having one hot meal per day as opposed to three? 

Readiness Impact  

• Are any of the participating units currently preparing for, or recently returned from, an operational deployment?  
• What measures are being taken to ensure that participation in this event does not disrupt training schedules, pre-deployment certification, or force availability? 

Use of Heavy Equipment  

• Who requested or ordered the inclusion of tanks and other heavy armored vehicles in the parade? When was this request made, and what were the details of the request?  
• What operational or ceremonial purpose does the participation of 24 of the same vehicle serve, as opposed to including just two or four of each vehicle type?  
• How much of the total cost of the parade is due to the requirements associated with including these armored vehicles? 

Infrastructure and Mitigation  

• What steps are being taken to predict and prevent potential damage to roads and other infrastructure in Washington, D.C.?  
• Has the Army assessed the cost of any potential damage, and who will bear those costs?  
• Will the Army conduct the repairs? If yes, how quickly do you expect to be able to do so? 

White House Involvement  

• Has the White House played any role in the planning or direction of this event? If so, please provide a detailed description of the extent and nature of that involvement. 

This anniversary should unite the country around the shared sacrifice and service of our military—not distract from the Army’s core mission or become a partisan spectacle. We ask that your office provide answers to the above questions and share any relevant planning materials, budget justifications, and interagency communications by June 26th, 2025. 

Thank you for your leadership, and for your continued commitment to the men and women of the United States Army. 

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