House Republicans Vote to End Washington D.C.’s Sanctuary City Status

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

House Republicans Vote to End Washington D.C.’s Sanctuary City Status

Washington, June 12, 2025

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2056, legislation requiring the District of Columbia to comply with federal immigration laws and end its status as a sanctuary city:

“The inexcusable violence in Los Angeles is the latest example of what happens when cities put left-wing political agendas ahead of public safety. For years, D.C. leaders have followed the lead of sanctuary states like California and New York, choosing to shield illegal aliens from federal law instead of protecting American citizens.

“Today, House Republicans voted to end D.C.’s sanctuary status and restore the rule of law in our nation’s capital. While Democrats continue to make clear they are the party that supports violent illegal aliens, MS-13 gang members, and property-destroying protests, Republicans are proud to stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans who support safe communities.”

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House Republicans Approve Rescissions Package to Eliminate $9.4 Billion in Wasteful Spending

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

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement after House Republicans approved the Trump Administration’s rescissions request to cut $9.4 billion in wasteful spending identified by DOGE.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, your taxpayer dollars are no longer being wasted. Instead, they are being directed toward priorities that truly benefit the American people.

“Today’s House passage of this initial rescissions package marks a critical step toward a more responsible and transparent government that puts the interests of the American taxpayers first.

“Thanks to DOGE’s work, this package eliminates $9.4 billion in unnecessary and wasteful spending at the State Department, USAID, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds politically biased media outlets like NPR and PBS. It is just one of the ways Republicans are codifying DOGE’s findings and putting taxpayer dollars to better use.

“We had hoped our Democrat colleagues would join us in this effort to ensure every dollar spent by the federal government is used efficiently and effectively. Rather than expressing concern over the misuse and misspending of funds, Democrats have instead chosen to oppose these reforms simply because Republicans are leading the charge. While they defend the failed, toxic status quo, Republicans will continue to deliver real accountability and restore fiscal discipline.”

Background:

  • The Trump Administration’s initial rescissions package totals $9.4 billion in wasteful and unnecessary spending identified by DOGE.
  • This package will codify DOGE cuts which include $8.3 billion in wasteful foreign aid spending and a $1.1 billion recission of federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which provides funds to NPR and PBS.

Process:

  • Under the Impoundment Control Act (ICA), the Administration may transmit a request to Congress to rescind previously appropriated funds through a rescissions package. Such a package only requires a simple majority vote in the Senate to be enacted.
  • Transmittal of a package triggers a 45-day clock, during which funds in accounts included in the rescissions package are withheld from obligation pending congressional action.   
  • House Republicans voted to advance the rescissions package today and it has been sent to the Senate for consideration.

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Higgins’ Legislation to End DC’s Sanctuary City Status Passes the House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins’ (R-LA) legislation H.R. 2056, the District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act, passed the House today. This legislation removes Washington D.C.’s sanctuary policies and requires compliance with lawful detainer requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security.

In 2020, D.C. enacted the Sanctuary Values Amendment Act, which prevents D.C. from learning about the immigration status of someone in custody and prevents the release of an individual for the purpose of transferring them into a federal immigration agency. The D.C. Council also enacted multiple policies that prohibit employees from cooperating with federal immigration agencies, such as ICE.

“Sanctuary policies prioritize criminal illegal aliens over the safety and security of the American people. Our nation’s capital city should set an example for enforcing federal immigration laws. I appreciate my colleagues’ support in the House. I urge the Senate to pass this bill and send it to President Trump’s desk so we can restore some modicum of decency in Washington, DC,” said Congressman Higgins.

Read the legislation here.

Watch Congressman Higgins’ floor speech on H.R. 2056 here.

LaMalfa Celebrates Signing of Resolutions to Repeal California’s Extreme Vehicle Mandates Into Law

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) joined President Trump at the White House for the signing of three Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions that block California’s sweeping vehicle emissions mandates from taking effect nationwide. The signing marks the successful conclusion of a major legislative effort backed by LaMalfa in the House.

“I was honored to be at the White House today as President Trump signed these critical resolutions I helped lead into law,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “California’s extreme vehicle mandates would have made it harder and more expensive for Americans to buy the cars and trucks they need, whether they live in California or not. These rules were designed to go national and force consumers, truckers, and most industries into costly electric vehicles with fewer options. These new laws are a major win for anyone who relies on a vehicle to get to work, run a business, or support their family.  With his signature President Trump permanently stopped some of California’s most ridiculous rules.”

Congressman LaMalfa co-led the resolutions with Representatives John Joyce (R-PA), John James (R-MI), and Jay Obernolte (R-CA). The Senate passed the resolutions earlier this month, sending them to the president’s desk.

Background

Under the Clean Air Act, states are generally prohibited from setting their own tailpipe emission standards for cars and trucks. However, California has a unique exemption, which allows the state to establish its own emissions regulations if it submits a waiver to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and receives approval. Once granted, these California standards can also be adopted by other states. Currently, about a dozen states follow California’s emissions policies, effectively turning the state’s regulations into a nationwide mandate.

The Biden administration approved several controversial waivers requested by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), allowing the state to impose extreme emissions rules that impact car and truck costs and availability across the country. These include:

  • Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC2) – Approved in December 2024, this regulation mandates that 35% of new car sales be zero-emission by 2026, increasing to 100% by 2035. At least 12 states have already adopted ACC2. Failure to meet this goal means a maximum penalty of up to $25,000 per non-compliant gas-powered vehicle sold to consumers.
  • Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) – Approved in March 2023, this regulation forces truck manufacturers and retailers to meet strict zero-emission quotas by 2035, including 55% of Class 2B-3 truck sales, 75% of Class 4-8 straight truck sales, and 40% of truck tractor sales. At least 11 states have adopted ACT.
  • Omnibus Low-NOx Emissions Rule – Approved in December 2024, this regulation imposes aggressive emissions reductions on medium- and heavy-duty truck and other engines, requiring NOx emissions to be cut by 75% below current standards for Model Year 2024-2026 compared to 2010 levels and particulate matter emissions to be cut by 50%.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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Jayapal Introduces Legislation to Protect Domestic Workers

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

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is today leading 104 Members of Congress in reintroducing the National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. The groundbreaking legislation will finally extend common workplace rights and protections to the 2.2 million domestic workers in the United States, who are currently excluded from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other key labor and safety laws that the majority of the workforce relies on. The legislation would also improve job quality by ensuring paid sick days, written agreements, and other benefits.

“Domestic workers are too often called essential, but treated as expendable,” said Jayapal. “These workers, who are predominantly women of color and immigrants, make all other work possible. This landmark legislation ensures that domestic workers are finally included in our existing labor laws, giving them access to the basic protections they deserve in the workplace, including overtime pay, guaranteed rest and meal breaks, time off, and legal protections from unsafe working conditions and harassment. It will finally give our domestic workers the dignity and respect they deserve. This legislation is more important now than ever as the Trump Administration works to strip many of the programs domestic workers rely on to survive, like Medicaid and food assistance.”

Since they are unprotected from labor laws, domestic workers are more likely to live in poverty than workers in other, protected sectors. In 2023, the typical domestic worker earned $20,926 per year, which is not enough to afford a one-bedroom apartment anywhere in the United States. Four in five domestic workers also do not receive sick days, and one in three do not receive breaks during work. 

“Domestic workers have always been essential,” said Jenn Stowe, Executive Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. “For generations, women of color and immigrant women have provided the care that powers our economy and strengthens our communities. Yet today, that essential work is under threat—from looming Medicaid cuts that would devastate workers and care recipients alike, to harmful immigration enforcement that destabilizes families and instills fear in communities where there should be safety. The reintroduction of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights is a declaration that no one should have to live or work in fear, and that every worker deserves dignity, safety, and respect.”

The legislation amends the Civil Rights Act and the FLSA to ensure domestic workers are able to earn overtime, sick days, and are able to request time off for personal reasons, that their employment is subject to a written agreement, that they are provided meal and rest breaks, that their privacy is protected, and that they are protected from workplace discrimination and harassment. It would also create additional resources to better implement these protections and rights and establish a National Domestic Worker Hotline where workers can call to seek assistance on employment issues. 

The legislation is cosponsored by Alma S. Adams, PhD (NC-12), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-00), Rep. Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown  (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Andre Carson (IN-07), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBebe (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Al Green (TX-09), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr.  (GA-04), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernández  (NM-03), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Doris Matsui  (CA -07), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), David Scott (GA-13), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson  (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Bonnie Watson Coleman  (NJ -12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24). 

It is also endorsed by A Better Balance, A.Y.U.D.A Inc., Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Black Labor Week Project Inc., Border Workers United, Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy , Caring Across Generations, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, Centro Cultural de Mexico, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Coalition on Human Needs, Community Change Action, Detroit Disability Power, Family Values @ Work, Freedom Network USA, Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network, Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Just Solutions, Justice for Migrant Women, Justice in Aging, Michigan Disability Rights Coalition , MomsRising, National Council of Jewish Women, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Employment Law Project, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women & Families, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, New Orleans Workers’ for Racial Justice, Oxfam America, Paid Leave for All, People’s Action Institute , PHI, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Seventh Generation Interfaith Coalition for Responsible Investment, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, The Restaurant Opportunity Center of Pennsylvania (ROC PA), Women Employed, Women’s March.

Issues:

Nadler Speech on Situation in Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), the most senior Jewish Member of the House of Representatives, spoke on the House floor regarding the current situation in Israel and the Palestinian Territories:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Israeli security, Palestinian freedom, a just, peaceful, and swift end to the war in Gaza, and an eventual, viable, and negotiated two-state solution.

The situation in Gaza today is dire. I want to be clear: the war in Gaza began with Hamas’ brutal attack on innocent Israelis on October 7th, the bloodiest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. For many in the Jewish community, in the United States and around the world, time stopped on that day, and has not yet resumed. It will resume when all the hostages are home. It will resume when the war is over, and the reservists can return to their families. It will resume when there is enough food, water, and medicine in Gaza to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe. It will resume when families on both sides of the border can sleep peacefully without the constant fear of rockets and bombs falling from the sky. It will resume when there is a lasting, durable, and negotiated ceasefire.

And Mr. Speaker, that day need not be far away. Israel achieved its goal of destroying the military capabilities and existential threat of Hamas months ago. Now Prime Minister Netanyahu should be proclaiming victory and indicating his readiness to withdraw from Gaza contingent on the return of all the hostages—both living and dead. He should be signaling his willingness to support an international security force on an interim basis to ensure law and order, and Israel’s support for international investment in the training and equipping of an eventual Palestinian security force. He should be supporting confidence building measures in the West Bank which empower the Palestinian Authority—contingent on the PA embracing and implementing real reforms, he should not be enacting an annexationist vision, while the plague of settler violence runs rampant.

The alternative, Mr. Speaker, is a stark and disturbing picture. This week, Tom Friedman wrote in the New York times that, if “Israel goes ahead with Netanyahu’s vow to perpetuate this war indefinitely — to try to achieve… the far right’s fantasy of ridding Gaza of Palestinians and resettling it with Israelis — Jews worldwide better prepare themselves, their children and their grandchildren for a reality they’ve never known: to be Jewish in a world where the Jewish state is a pariah state — a source of shame, not of pride.  Because one day, foreign photographers and reporters will be allowed to go into Gaza unescorted by the Israeli Army. And when they do, and the full horror of the destruction there becomes clear to all…”

Friedman continued, Mr. Speaker, writing, “Israel, instead of being seen by Jews as a safe haven from antisemitism, will be seen as a new engine generating it; sane Israelis will line up to emigrate to Australia and America rather than beckon their fellow Jews to come Israel’s way. That dystopian future is not here yet, but if you don’t see its outlines gathering, you are deluding yourself.”

Mr. Friedman is not alone in this analysis. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, former Israeli security officials have been speaking out.

Last week, two former Israeli Air Force pilots, Brigadier General Asaf Agmon and Colonel Uri Arad, published a letter in Hebrew in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. They wrote “as the war in Gaza dragged on, it became clear that it was losing its strategic and security purposes and instead served primarily the political and personal interests of the government. It thus became an unmistakably immoral war, and increasingly appeared to be a war of revenge.”

I agree with these distinguished former officials. It is clear to me that we long ago reached the point where victory is no longer the goal, and the main obstacle to bringing the hostages home and ending the war is the politics of one man: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

General Agmon and Colonel Arad are not peace activists, Mr. Speaker. They are former top Israeli air force pilots and high-ranking officers, and we must heed their calls.

They are not alone, Mr. Speaker. Commanders for Israel’s Security is a movement of over 550 retired senior officials from Israel’s defense, security and diplomatic services. The Commanders, as they are often referred to, recently published a letter urging Jewish diaspora voices to speak out in favor of ending the violence in Gaza. They wrote, “Accused of weakening Israel or betraying their connection to the Jewish state, they are told that those who live abroad or do not serve in the I.D.F. must keep silent. We categorically reject the notion that Jews in the diaspora must remain silent on matters concerning Israel… To those who fear that public criticism undermines Israel, we say that open, honest dialogue only reinforces our democracy and our security.”

This is true for this body too, Mr. Speaker. We all must speak up. If our voices contribute to preventing one more ounce of bloodshed, or to the return home of a hostage one minute sooner, or gets one more piece of bread into the hands of a starving Gazan, or helps redeem the moral position of the State of Israel, our words are worth it. Jewish tradition teaches in Mishna Sanhedrin that “saving one life is like saving the whole world.” I hope that we can come together to heed the voices that are speaking out at this moment, and that together work to save as many worlds as we can.

Carter Introduces the Truth in Gender Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter Introduces the Truth in Gender Act

Carter Introduces the Truth in Gender Act

Washington, June 12, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) introduced the Truth In Gender Act, a bill codifying President Trump’s Executive Order entitled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.”

The Executive Order brings back common sense and restores biological truth to the federal government by recognizing women as biologically female and men as biologically male.

“Biological men cannot be women, and biological women cannot be men. That’s a scientific fact. President Trump was spot on when he signed this executive order, and now we have the chance to codify it into law. With a clear definition of the two genders, we will be able to further protect female spaces from biological men masquerading as women and the radical liberal politicians, like Jon Ossoff, who put them there,” said Rep. Carter.

Read the full text here.

Reps. Kelly, Clarke, Watson Coleman, Fitzpatrick introduce the Bipartisan Protect Black Women and Girls Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – The Co-Chairs of the Caucus on Black Women and Girls – U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Yvette Clarke (NY-09) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) – and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) reintroduced the bipartisan Protect Black Women and Girls Act. The bill would establish a task force to examine the socioeconomic conditions and experiences of Black women and girls.

“Black women and girls deserve every opportunity to thrive but are too often held back by years of systemic racism and sexism. We must do more than simply acknowledge these disparities and instead put forth holistic solutions,” said Rep. Kelly. “The Protect Black Women and Girls Act establishes a task force to examine every part of life, from education to healthcare to economic opportunities. With this bill, we are delivering coordinated policy efforts to dismantle barriers facing Black women and girls and ensure they can lead happy, healthy lives.”

“For too long, Black women and girls of every walk of life have been denied access to deserved opportunities for no reasons beyond their sex and race. Unfairness and inequality will never have a place in our nation, and we have a moral responsibility to take meaningful action to root them out in every space they arise,” said Rep. Clarke.  “The Protect Black Women and Girls Act represents a significant step toward ridding our nation of a sin that has persisted within it for centuries, and I am proud to work alongside my fellow co-chairs to see it enacted.”

“I’m proud to stand with my fellow co-chairs Rep. Kelly and Rep. Clarke in introducing this crucial piece of bipartisan legislation,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “The Protecting Black Women and Girls Act is an important step toward addressing the root causes of the disproportionate challenges Black women and girls face. We must all work together to do more for this nation’s Black women and girls to ensure they have equal opportunity to thrive.”

“This legislation is about using the full force of federal policy to confront disparities that have gone unaddressed for far too long,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “By establishing a cross-agency task force, we’re working to ensure that federal programs are not only equitable in intent, but effective in practice—targeting systemic barriers in healthcare, education, economic mobility, housing, and civil rights. Our goal is simple: to build a smarter, more accountable federal response that delivers measurable progress for Black women and girls nationwide.”

The Protect Black Women and Girls Act is endorsed by In Our Own Voice, The Black Women Health Imperative (BWHI) and Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA).

“At a time when our civil rights are under threat like never before, the Protect Women and Girls Act is the urgent response needed in order to address the disproportionate impact Black women are facing across this administration’s multifaceted attacks on the economy, reproductive and public health, education, the environment and more,” said Regina Davis Moss, President and CEO of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda. “We are thankful to co-chairs Rep. Kelly, Rep. Watson Coleman, Rep. Clarke and the entire Congressional Caucus of Black Women and Girls for their tireless efforts in support of this legislative action. In Our Own Voice is proud to endorse the Protect Black Women and Girls Act, a critical piece of legislation that will help improve outcomes for Black women, girls and gender-expansive people in the U.S.”

“The Black Women’s Health Imperative stands in full support of the Protect Black Women and Girls Act,” said Dr. Ifeoma Udoh, Executive Vice President of Policy, Advocacy and Science at BWHI. “Our work as an organization addresses the programming and policy which impacts the pipeline to healthcare, education and leadership for Black women with our partners and collaborators. This bill presents an opportunity to address these gaps and ensure that we can solve the problems structurally that impact the fully holistic lives of Black women and girls.”

“Black Mamas Matter Alliance proudly endorses the Protect Black Women and Girls Act introduced by Congresswoman Robin Kelly. This critical and groundbreaking legislation reflects the core values and heart of our mission we champion — advancing Black Maternal Health and driving equitable change and opportunity for Black women and girls,” said Angela D. Aina, Co-Founder and Executive Director of BMMA. “The bill centers and prioritizes the wellbeing of Black women and girls, acknowledges the daily social and structural harms we endure, and calls for restorative justice as a pathway to healing and transformation. By naming and addressing the systemic inequities that impact our lives, this Act is a critical step toward building a future where Black women and girls are seen, protected, valued, and empowered to thrive.”

The Protect Black Women and Girls Act would establish an Interagency Task Force to:

  • Identify and assess the efficacy of policies and programs at the federal, state and local levels designed to improve outcomes for Black women and girls;
  • Make recommendations to improve these policies and programs;
  • Cover issues involving Black women and girls in education, economic development, healthcare, justice, civil rights and housing;
  • Submit recommendations to Congress, the President, and each state or local government on policies, practices, programs and incentives that should be adopted to improve outcomes;
  • Direct the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to conduct a study and collect data on the effects of specified economic, health, criminal justice and social service factors on Black women and girls.

Díaz-Balart Meets with Winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) met with Neely Camejo, a sophomore at Hialeah Gardens Senior High School and resident of Hialeah, Florida, who is the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for the 26th Congressional District of Florida.

Neeley’s art, titled “Reverence in the Currents: An Esoteric Wonder,” was selected from among 175 entries submitted by students from 16 participating schools. His piece will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

Art Teacher: Haydee Fernandez Salazar

Medium: Alcohol Markers, Watercolors, Acrylic Paint, and Markers

Description: “Reverence in the Currents: An Esoteric Wonder” – The piece showcases a large koi fish swimming gracefully, revealing a hidden beauty that no one would suspect; a deep respect for one of nature’s most beautiful creations.

Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District.

The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in our District. The winning artwork of our district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on House.gov‘s Congressional Art Competition page.

For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, please visit:https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/youth-and-kids/art-competition

Read More (Rep. Steube Introduces Bill to Protect DOE Facilities)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

June 12, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced legislation prohibiting non-citizens from accessing Department of Energy (DOE) facilities and sites. The bill would permit only citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to access land, sites, and facilities owned, operated, or leased by the Department of Energy. “America’s energy dominance is a critical component of our national security,” said Rep. Steube. “Whether it be the National Nuclear Security Administration’s control of our nuclear arsenal, the Office of Secure Transportation tasked with transferring nuclear materials, or the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence safeguarding vital research and technology, protecting the United States Department of Energy from hostile foreign powers is of the utmost importance. That is why I have proposed this bill limiting access to Department of Energy facilities to only American citizens and our most trusted allies.”
Read the full bill text here.