MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted against a partisan funding bill, H.R. 1968, that defunds a wide range of services on which America’s seniors, veterans, families, and children rely. The legislation puts at risk America’s national security and our ability to respond to and recover from natural disasters.

The vote on the bill was 217-213. It is now being considered by the U.S. Senate.

“All Georgians will be hurt by this partisan bill which gives up Congress’ Constitutional power of the purse to the Executive Branch. I cannot stand idly by while Elon Musk destroys important programs that keep our communities safe, make housing affordable, support medical research, and help our veterans,” said Congressman Bishop.

This bill would cut funding for non-defense programs and services by $13 billion while increasing defense spending by $6 billion, dishonoring the bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act to set top line funding for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The bill:

• Allows Elon Musk to fire Social Security Administration workers and shutter local offices which will lead to increased backlogs, making it harder for Americans to get their earned benefits.
• Cuts $475 million to state and local police departments and reduces the funding to cities and towns for community-oriented policing services by $247 million.
• Slashes funding for rural clean water and wastewater disposal projects by $117 million, and cuts rural community distant learning, telemedicine, and broadband grants by $10 million each.
• Takes away much needed funds from ongoing infrastructure projects to build safer roads, railways, bridges, and airports to pay for disaster relief, yet still reduces FEMA’s Federal Assistance account by $182 million.
• Eliminates $23 billion promised to veterans, through the PACT Act, to treat them for exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances during their service to the nation.
• Slashes the Federal Highway Administration by $1.9 billion, the Federal Airport Administration by $482 million, and the Federal Transit Administration by $207 million, putting the brakes on projects that are improving the capacity and safety of public roads and transportation.
• Underfunds, by $27 million, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service which undercuts its ability to prevent invasive species and diseases from wreaking havoc on U.S. agriculture and undermines its fight against bird flu at a time when egg prices are at an all-time high.
• Eliminates Congressional directives to the Agricultural Research Service, jeopardizing $2 billion in research on agricultural products, such as pecans, peanuts, and cotton, that are crucial to Georgia’s economy.

“This bill is part of a pretext to allow the Trump Administration to steal already appropriated funds for hard-working Americans and their communities and add over a $1 trillion to the deficit in order to pay for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. Most of the proposed tax cuts would go to the top 5% of households while most working families will only get a few hundred dollars in tax cuts a year,” said Congressman Bishop. “Congress must fight to stop this Administration from feathering the nests of billionaires by taking the flesh off the backs of hard-working Americans. I support a short-term continuing resolution so that Congress can negotiate a bipartisan funding bill that responsibly meets the needs of all Americans.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA-02), a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, released the following statement regarding the announcement today by the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, to rename Fort Moore:

“This has always been an emotional issue, particularly for people who have lived, trained, and worked around the post. While good people may have different thoughts about the post’s name, a commission was established by the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act to address this matter and remove the names of enemies of the United States from U.S. military installations. The bill had overwhelming bipartisan support and became law.

[The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act was passed by the U.S. House (335-78) and U.S. Senate (84-13) and sent to President Trump for his signature. President Trump vetoed the bill in December 2020, but his veto was overridden by the U.S. House (322-87) and the U.S. Senate (80-12) to become law.]

“Pursuant to that law, and after considerable deliberation and widespread community and veteran input, the post was named after Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and his wife, Julia.

“Hal Moore was a hero of the Vietnam War, and together with his wife, Julia, they were instrumental in establishing how the military notifies and cares for spouses of fallen servicemembers. Moore had extensive ties to the post while on active duty, in retirement, and is buried there. The Moores embodied the Army’s values of loyalty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, personal courage, and duty. To have the Moores’ name adorn this post, through which an overwhelming number of Soldiers pass during their Army careers, was well-deserved and symbolized our country’s commitment to the servicemembers and their families who are the backbone of our national defense.

“To have the new Secretary of Defense unilaterally reject the Moores’ combined service to the Army, our military families, and our nation, after being recommended by the naming commission and implemented by the Defense Department, is disrespectful, at best, and spiteful, at worst. It is a rejection of the values and symbolism that Hal and Julia Moore embodied.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA-02) joined Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) and the entire Georgia Delegation to introduce H.R. 1596, a bill that would designate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia, as the Abit Massey Poultry Research Center.

Abit Massey, who passed in June 2024 at the age of 96, served as President of the Georgia Poultry Federation for 48 years and was recognized statewide for his leadership in the agricultural community. Massey was instrumental in establishing Georgia as a leading chicken producer, which is now a multi-billion dollar industry.

“Last summer, Georgia lost a giant of the poultry and agriculture industry. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Abit Massey over many years and was witness to his visionary leadership that has left an indelible mark on our state and country,” said Rep. Bishop. “This bill rightfully honors the man and his legacy, and I proudly join my friend and colleague, Congressman Buddy Carter in this bipartisan effort to rename the USDA poultry facility in Athens after Abit Massey.”

“Abit Massey was a Georgia icon who is already deeply missed. His dedication to our agricultural industry cannot be overstated, rightfully earning him the nickname ‘Dean of the poultry industry.’ No one supported Georgia farmers more than Massey, and this renaming will help preserve his memory and influence for generations to come,” said Rep. Carter.

“Abit Massey was a Gainesville poultry icon. Known as the ‘Dean of the Poultry Industry,’ he played a pivotal role in the Peach State’s poultry dominance and tirelessly advocated to expand research in the field. I’m proud to join my fellow Georgians in working to rename the USDA poultry facility in Athens after Abit Massey, ensuring his remarkable legacy lives on for generations to come,” said Rep. Clyde.

“Abit Massey was a leader in agricultural innovation, and his lifetime of work in the poultry industry helped make Georgia one of the leading poultry producers in the country,” said Rep. Scott. 

“Abit Massey was a great Georgian whose impact will be felt for generations. He was a pillar to the Georgia poultry and agriculture industry, a visionary who saw the true beauty in the Peach State, and a role model that many could choose to follow. Renaming the National Poultry Research Center is a fitting honor to his legacy,” said Rep. Collins.

“Abit Massey was a larger-than-life figure in the state of Georgia. His tenure as President of the Georgia Poultry Foundation and leadership in the community stands as a shining example for aspiring leaders across our great state. Hall County mourns the loss of one of its’ native sons, who contributed so much not just to the poultry industry, but to the lives of everyone he met,” said Rep. McCormick.

For his dedication to Georgia’s agricultural community, he was recognized with the 1986 University of Georgia (UGA) Alumni Merit Award, the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s 2012 Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award, and the inaugural Medallion of Honor for Service to the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences.

You can learn more about the bill by visiting Congress.gov.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted against a proposed budget bill, H.Con.Res. 14, that would increase the deficit by $4.5 trillion dollars to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and pay for them with drastic cuts to programs on which America’s elderly, veterans, families, and children rely.

The bill was passed by a vote of 217-215 and now will be considered in conference by the U.S. House and Senate.

“This bill increases the U.S. deficit and drastically cuts healthcare to Georgians under the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid and cuts nutrition provided through SNAP and the food lunch program so that billionaires can get huge tax cuts, leaving the American taxpayer with table scraps and fewer resources and services,” said Congressman Bishop. “This bill threatens Georgians’ quality of life. It would take away healthcare for our seniors and families in need. It would take food out of the mouths of our children. And it would walk away from our cities and small businesses who rely on partnerships and investments by Congress to improve infrastructure, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.”

For example, the proposed budget would make healthcare more expensive for nearly 94,000 Georgians in the 2nd Congressional District who would see their average premium increase by $430 per year. It would also put at risk over 195,000 people on Medicaid in the 2nd Congressional District, which includes over 130,000 children under the age of 19 and nearly 30,000 seniors over the age of 65. The cuts will also hurt healthcare providers, nursing homes, long term care providers, hospitals, and community health care centers which will have a higher risk of closing. That will further strain the Middle and Southwest Georgia economy while at the same time reduce access to affordable healthcare close to home, especially in rural and other underserved areas.

There are 211,000 children, seniors, veterans, and working parents in Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District who count on SNAP to help put food on the table. They would also lose this support under the budget bill.

The budget bill would also eliminate energy efficiency and innovation programs that have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in small and large businesses in this region. That investment has spurred the creation of manufacturing jobs and facilities from Bainbridge to Fort Valley, from Mitchell to Decatur Counties, and from Lee and Sumter Counties to Macon and Bibb Counties. This included solar projects and supporting electric vehicle industry growth which has widespread support from Georgia Democrats and Republicans, including Governor Kemp.

The budget bill would also take at least $330 billion from things like school lunches, Pell Grants, Head Start, and other programs children use to have a strong start to live and prepare themselves to succeed in life. It would gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that helps protect American consumers from bad actors in the banking and financial industry.

All of this to finance $4.5 trillion in tax cuts for the wealthy. If the 2017 tax cuts are extended that would give an average annual tax cut of $32,118 to a family earning about $750,000 and $314,000 to a family earning more than $3.5 million per year. Nearly half the net benefit of the proposed tax cuts would go to the top 5 percent of households, or those making more than $450,000 a year. Meanwhile working families will only get a few hundred dollars in tax cuts a year.

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

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) issued the following statement after U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright announced the second loan disbursement to Holtec for the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, releasing $56,787,300 of the up to $1.52 billion loan.

“I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Wright for advancing Southwest Michigan’s role in our mission to unleash American energy production and strengthen our national energy security,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “I am proud to have led the charge in Congress to support Holtec’s historic repowering of Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. Today’s decision is another key step towards providing 800MW of safe, carbon-free, and reliable energy as well as jobs and lower energy costs for our communities.”

In December 2023, Huizenga led a bipartisan letter to the Department of Energy requesting a timely and responsible review of the DOE loan application to repower Palisades. In September 2024, the Department of Energy officially closed on the loan commitment of up to $1.52 billion to repower Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Covert, Michigan. Palisades could be the first-ever recommissioning of a nuclear power plant. The plant’s owner, Holtec International, is also planning to build two industry-first small modular reactor (SMR) units at the site which have the innovative potential to generate even more reliable carbon-free energy. The project is expected to bring hundreds of highly skilled, good paying jobs to Southwest Michigan.

Background From U.S. Department of Energy

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright today announced the release of the second loan disbursement to Holtec for the Palisades Nuclear Plant. Today’s action releases $56,787,300 of the up to $1.52 billion loan guarantee to Holtec for the Palisades project, which will provide 800MW of affordable, reliable baseload power in Michigan.

“Unleashing American energy dominance will require leveraging all energy sources that are affordable, reliable and secure – including nuclear energy,” said Secretary Wright. “Today’s action is yet another step toward advancing President Trump’s commitment to increase domestic energy production, bolster our security and lower costs for the American people.”

The Palisades Nuclear Plant will be America’s first restart of a commercial nuclear reactor that ceased operations, subject to U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing approvals. The project is projected to support or retain up to 600 high-quality jobs in Michigan––many of them filled by workers who had previously been at the plant for over 20 years.

Today’s disbursement is Holtec’s second disbursement of funds from the Loan Programs Office (LPO) since its financial loan close in September 2024. LPO funds go toward the plant restart and ensuring the plant is NRC compliant.

This announcement highlights DOE’s commitment to advance President Trump’s agenda of unleashing affordable, reliable, and secure energy through investing in projects across the country that support American jobs, bolster domestic supply chains, and strengthen America’s position as a world energy leader.  

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

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement after GE Aerospace announced it was investing $70 million at its manufacturing facility in Muskegon.

“It is great to see GE Aerospace continue to make advanced manufacturing investments in West Michigan,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “This $70 million investment will create good-paying jobs, strengthen Michigan manufacturing, and allow West Michigan’s workforce to play an even great role in supporting our national security.”

According to GE Aerospace, this investment will go to new machines, updated equipment, and expand the facility to support the production of components in the LEAP engine used in narrowbody aircraft that is ramping production. The Muskegon facility also produces engine components used in widebody aircraft engines, as well as in military fighter jets and helicopter engines. This investment is part of an overall $1 billion manufacturing investment from GE Aerospace across America.

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

Today, Subcommittee on Europe Ranking Member Bill Keating (D-MA), American Canadian Economy and Security Caucus Co-Chair Mark Amodei (R-NV), Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Ranking Member Joaquin Castro (D-TX), and Subcommittee on South and Central Asia Chairman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) introduced H.R. 2000, the Arctic Watchers Act. This bipartisan legislation strengthens American engagement in the Arctic to combat Russian and Chinese malign influences in the region. By doing so, the legislation prioritizes U.S. interests in the region and expands economic and security cooperation with like-minded Arctic partners.

“This bipartisan legislation improves our economic and national security by working with our strategic partners and allies to increase the State Department’s focus on the Arctic,” said Congressman Huizenga. “Simply put, the United States can no longer afford to sit idly by and cede the region to Russia, China, and other nations who seek to advance objectives that conflict with American interests.”

“The Arctic Watchers Act, which will place specific Arctic-focused personnel at U.S. State Department missions in Europe and North America, ensures the United States is focused on critical economic and national security priorities in the region. The Arctic has tremendous potential, both in our bilateral partnerships with other Arctic nations, and in our economic, critical minerals, and cultural interests across the region,” said Ranking Member Keating. “This legislation signals to our Arctic allies that the United States is committed to the region and committed to countering increased Russian and Chinese malign influence in the Arctic which undermines U.S. interests. I thank my bipartisan colleagues for their support of this initiative.”

“Strengthening our geopolitical position in the Arctic is essential to countering the growing influence of adversaries like China and Russia, who are actively seeking to leverage the region to advance their global agendas,” said Congressman Amodei. “I support this bill because we cannot afford to hand over control of this strategically important region. By establishing a program to monitor foreign activities, we can protect U.S. interests and enhance our national security in the face of increasing global threats.”

“The Arctic region is increasingly essential to the national security and economic security of the United States”, said Ranking Member Castro. “The Arctic Watchers Act recognizes this and ensures that the United State has a unified approach to the Arctic with both our European and Western Hemisphere partners. I thank Ranking Member Keating for his leadership in authoring this legislation.”

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

This evening, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement after voting in favor of legislation to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year.

“This funding measure ensures the federal government is able to continue serving the American people while avoiding an unnecessary shutdown,” said Congressman Huizenga. “Importantly, this legislation increases nutrition assistance for mothers, infants, and children by $500M, supports President Trump’s immigration enforcement, rescinds $20 billion in IRS funding, extends critical healthcare programs and telehealth flexibilities, delivers the largest pay increase for junior enlisted troops in over 40 years, and protects Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients from disruptions all while decreasing overall discretionary spending compared to last year. As the debate shifts to budget reconciliation, Congress must work to get our country back on the right fiscal track and make better use of taxpayer dollars. Policymakers in Washington should be looking for bipartisan solutions that improve affordability, strengthen our economy, and improve outcomes for families across all walks of life.”

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

Today, U.S. Representatives Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dave Joyce (R-OH), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), the co-chairs of the bipartisan House Great Lakes Task Force released the following statement regarding the State of Illinois delaying work and development at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam for invasive carp prevention, thereby jeopardizing the health and economy of the Great Lakes.

“As co-chairs of the Great Lakes Task Force, we urge the state of Illinois to promptly sign the necessary documents and end further delays in the critical ecosystem protection construction at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam. This project is essential to prevent the spread of invasive carp throughout the Great Lakes. Both Illinois and Michigan signed the project partnership agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2024, now Illinois must take action to allow construction to proceed. Failing to do so puts the future of the Great Lakes ecosystem—and the multi-trillion-dollar economy it supports—at serious risk.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 25, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) along with Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL), Danny Davis (D-IL), John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA), and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) announced the reintroduction of the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, bipartisan legislation which aims to ensure that individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) continue to have equitable access to private healthcare and to provide protection of the Medicare Trust Fund.

The legislation follows a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that has allowed private health plans to prematurely force ESRD patients onto Medicare, creating disruption in coverage for patients and their families and shifting a significant financial burden onto taxpayers.

“The tens of millions of Americans across our nation today who are fighting kidney disease should not face the danger of a disruption in coverage due to reasons beyond their control. It’s clear these individuals – who disproportionately belong to communities of color – are relying on Congress to stand up for them and protect their equitable access to necessary healthcare. I’m proud to support this bipartisan solution to ensure every American on dialysis has the care they need to live the lives they deserve,” said Congresswoman Clarke.

“This legislation is critical for Americans living with End Stage Renal Disease and who rely on dialysis,” said Rep. Kelly. “Patients deserve to know their benefits will be in place when they need them. This legislation will improve both patient care and patient outcomes. I want to thank my House colleagues for joining me on this vital legislation.”

“ESRD patients should not be concerned that they will be forced off their health insurance plan while seeking lifesaving dialysis treatments,” said Congressman Dunn. “I am proud to support this legislation to ensure that patients who depend on dialysis can focus on their treatment without worrying about their health insurance coverage.”

“The hundreds of thousands of patients throughout the country who rely on regular dialysis treatments should never be in fear of losing their access to care,” said Rep. Joyce, M.D. “The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act would ensure that patients with End Stage Renal Disease have access to the treatments they need.”

“I thank members of Congress for introducing the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, which will ensure insurance plans provide life-sustaining care to dialysis patients,” said LaVarne Burton, President & CEO of the American Kidney Fund (AKF). “This critical legislation will ensure that the Medicare Secondary Payer Act (MSPA) is working for the benefit of those it was intended to protect.”

“MSPA effectively protected patients with the option to stay on their private insurance plan as they navigated their life-altering diagnosis of kidney failure, but we’ve unfortunately seen that protection upended,” said Mahesh Krishnan, MD, MPH, MBA, Chair of Kidney Care Partners. “Now, we encourage all lawmakers to work together to restore critical protections for patients with kidney failure by passing the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act without delay.”

Rep. Kelly first introduced this legislation in December 2023.

Read the full bill text here.

BACKGROUND

• In 1981, Congress amended the Medicare Secondary Payer Act (MSPA) to add language to protect against private health insurers from designing benefit plans to push individuals with ESRD onto Medicare prematurely.
• For decades, health plans have abided by the principles of MSPA, benefitting both beneficiaries and taxpayers.
• In June 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that health plans can effectively push ESRD patients onto Medicare, prompting a need for Congress to introduce legislation to clarify the Medicare Secondary Payer Act and protect ESRD patients from being kicked off of their private health plans.

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