MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Washington, D.C. — Last week, Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Buddy Carter (R-GA-01), co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus, hosted a Member briefing on the business case for sustainable aviation and the role of emerging technologies in strengthening the U.S. aviation sector.

The briefing featured Scott Kirby, Chief Executive Officer of United Airlines, who discussed how investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), advanced air mobility, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), hydrogen, and other innovations can reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and strengthen long-term competitiveness across the aviation industry.

“Building a more sustainable aviation system is about cutting emissions, lowering costs over time, strengthening our supply chains, and keeping the United States at the forefront of innovation,” said Davids. “United Airlines’ leadership in SAF and other advanced technologies shows what’s possible when industry and Congress work together to create a cleaner, stronger, and more resilient aviation future. I’m glad Members could better understand how smart investments can support good-paying jobs, national security, and a cleaner, more resilient transportation system.”

“We can cut aviation emissions without sacrificing efficiency or innovation, and United Airlines is proving that,” said Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA-01). “SAF and other cutting-edge technologies offer unique opportunities for America to maintain its air dominance while planning for the future. I’m proud to work with my bipartisan colleagues on this caucus to create jobs, unleash our nation’s full aviation potential, and build a safer transportation system for the next generation.”

“We thank the Sustainable Aviation Caucus and the Climate Solutions Caucus for welcoming Scott Kirby to discuss the importance of SAF and other aviation related policy issues,” said Tom Michels, Director of Government Affairs, United Airlines. “Continued U.S. investment in SAF presents a significant market opportunity not only for U.S. fuel producers, but for the U.S. farmers and feedstock producers who make the building blocks of SAF. We are appreciative of the focus that the bipartisan Sustainable Aviation Caucus is bringing to policy solutions that will scale SAF and preserve U.S. leadership in clean aviation technologies.”

The Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus provides a bipartisan forum for Members to examine policies and technologies that improve aircraft efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance fuel supply resiliency. The Caucus has also highlighted the growing potential of advanced air mobility for passenger travel, air cargo, and other commercial applications.

The briefing included a discussion and Q&A with multiple Members, focusing on how sustainability, economic growth, and financial performance intersect in aviation, and what policy frameworks are needed to support continued innovation and deployment of proven technologies.

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

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation will expand access to health care and save patients time and money by making permanent Medicare coverage of telehealth services that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes would enable patients to be treated at home, allow Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to provide telehealth services, and expand coverage of audio-only services for certain conditions, among other changes. 

“Telehealth enables Granite Staters to virtually access the right care at the right time while saving them both time and money,” said Congressman Pappas. “Making coverage of telehealth services permanent is a practical proposal that benefits patients and providers alike. I’ll continue pushing to protect and expand access to health care.”

“Telehealth is a lifeline for rural Iowans. By making these flexibilities permanent, we’re cutting travel time, supporting rural providers, and ensuring patients receive quality care when and where they need it. This is a bipartisan, practical fix that puts rural communities first,” said Congressman Nunn.

This legislation is endorsed by Alliance for Connected Care, the American Heart Association, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the American Telemedicine Association,  the diaTribe Foundation, the Global Liver Institute, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, Progressive Policy Institute, the Medical Group Management Association, and National Association of Benefits & Insurance Professionals.

Read the bill text here.

Background: 

Congressman Pappas is a steadfast advocate for lowering health care and prescription drug costs, expanding access to care, strengthening the industry’s workforce and training programs, and protecting vital programs that Granite Staters rely on, including Medicare and Medicaid. In 2022, Pappas helped pass historic legislation that finally allowed the government to negotiate for lower drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, capped the cost of insulin at $35, and capped out-of-pocket medical expenses for Medicare recipients.

Last year Pappas introduced the Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act, which would make Medicare’s coverage of audio-only telehealth services permanent and the Rural Health Innovation Act, which would strengthen access to care in rural areas by establishing a competitive grant program for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to increase staff, equipment, technology, and more. He also introduced the Modernizing Rural Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization Act, the Rural Health Clinic Location Modernization Act, and the Rural Behavioral Health Improvement Act. The bipartisan package of legislation makes necessary updates and modifications to federal guidelines and regulations to modernize access to Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and improve services for more than 40 million Americans living in non-urban and rural communities. The bills also remove regulatory red tape and empower rural health care professionals to better meet the needs of the communities they serve.

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

February 10, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced yesterday the Criminals’ Loss of Eligibility and Assistance Networks Act or CLEAN Act. This bill prohibits sex offenders from receiving federally funded Medicaid benefits as well as the refundable tax credit for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. 
“Sex offenders have no business tapping into programs intended for lower-income and disadvantaged Americans,” said Rep. Steube. “Taxpayers have the right to know their hard-earned money is not being used to cover the medical expenses of serial abusers and criminals. Rapists and abusers have no business receiving federal benefits. My bill will protect Medicaid and ACA assistance for law-abiding Americans by barring sex offenders from accessing these programs.” 
Background: The CLEAN Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit sex offenders from receiving the refundable tax credit for coverage with a qualified health plan under the Affordable Care Act. It also amends the Social Security Act to make sex offenders ineligible for federally funded benefits under Medicaid. 
Read the full bill text here.

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

Headline: Carter to force “sanctuary” cities to comply with ICE in new bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced the No Sanctuary Cities Act, a bill ensuring dangerous criminal illegal immigrants are not safeguarded by “sanctuary” city or state policies.

The bill requires state and local governments to cooperate with federal immigration authorities by:

• Sharing custody and release information for illegal immigrants;
• Holding certain detainees for up to 48 hours, when requested;
• Protecting officers who comply with federal immigration laws and authorities; and, 
• Punishing jurisdictions that try to block or limit that cooperation.

“So-called sanctuary cities protect criminal illegal immigrants at the expense of justice and American citizens’ safety. Far-left officials like Newsom, Walz, and Mamdani shield murderers, rapists, and pedophiles from deportation while actively promoting violence against law enforcement officers. It’s disgusting, anti-American, and must end. The No Sanctuary Cities Act will force compliance with federal law enforcement, holding criminals to account and making our streets safe again,” said Rep. Carter.

Mamdani’s New York City, where local law enforcement officials face restrictions when working with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is part of a jurisdiction housing 7,113 criminal illegal aliens with an active detainer, including 148 murderers and 260 sexual predators. Absent federal action, such as the No Sanctuary Cities Act, these criminals – along with thousands more in sanctuary cities and states nationwide – may be released back onto the streets to continue preying on American citizens, as was the case with José Ibarra, Laken Riley’s convicted murderer.

“Laken Riley would likely still be with us today had this law been in place,” said Rep. Carter.

“Every crime committed by an illegal alien released by a sanctuary city is a preventable tragedy. The No Sanctuary Cities Act puts an end to this reckless game of catch and release by ensuring that criminal aliens go from local cells to federal custody, not back on our streets. We are grateful to Congressman Carter for introducing this important legislation,” said Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations, Immigration Accountability Project.

Read full bill text here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Know Your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC) – On Monday, February 9, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6644 – the Housing for the 21^st Century Act, which contains Congressman Al Green’s H.R. 3716 – the Systemic Risk Authority Act, which had previously been passed by the House of Representatives on December 1, 2025. You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech regarding this legislation on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. 

This bill directs banking regulators and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide prompt reports to Congress whenever a bank failure results in the event of the Treasury Department declaring a systemic risk exception. These reports must explain the causes of the failure and outline the regulatory decisions that followed. The bill requires two comprehensive reports from each agency responsible for strengthening transparency and gives Congress the information it needs to better safeguard the stability and resilience of similar institutions.

Congressman Al Green stated, “I proudly voted to pass this legislation to bring transparency and accountability when banks fail and threaten our economy. When failures threaten financial stability, Congress and the public deserve quick, honest explanations about what went wrong and how regulators responded. These reports will help us detect problems sooner and protect families, workers, and communities from future financial harm.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. House of Representatives voted favorably on H.R. 6644 – the Housing for the 21^st Century Act. The legislation will be sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

Following passage of the bill, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), who voted for the bill, issued the following statement:

“Congress is determined to pass legislation that helps make life more affordable for working families. 

“I believe supporting the Housing for the 21^st Century Act will provide some relief for those looking to purchase a home. This bill will create more competition in the mortgage marketplace, reduce regulations and provide more affordable homeownership opportunities for Ninth District homebuyers.”

BACKGROUND

The Housing for the 21^st Century Act delivers on several reforms to expedite availability of homes. 

Some housing-related activities will have a reduced number of environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Reforms to Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships programs will allow more local focus on creating affordable housing opportunities.

Regulations are changed to make community bank and credit union lending more accessible.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Tonight, in a rare bipartisan breakthrough during one of the most contentious Congresses in recent history, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) secured House passage of five legislative measures to advance affordable housing, empower and protect homeowners, and enable community banks to inject more capital into the housing industry.

The measures passed under suspension of the rules as part of H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, moving forward a package of regulatory and community banking reforms aimed at accelerating housing development, protecting homeowners, and strengthening the local institutions responsible for financing housing in Central Ohio and communities nationwide.

The vote comes as Central Ohio families face mounting housing pressures, including rising rents, limited housing supply, and growing concern that working families are being priced out of the communities they call home.

“This overwhelmingly bipartisan housing package is a critical first step towards solving the affordable housing crisis in America,”Beatty said. “These bills make key reforms to generate housing development, direct more investment where it is needed, and reinforce the local financial institutions that finance affordable housing projects. I am incredibly proud to advance five of my own bills that will ensure more Central Ohioans have a safe, secure place to call home.”

Beatty Bills Included in the Housing Package

Together, the measures combine affordable housing expansion, homeowner protections, and community banking reforms intended to move capital into housing development more quickly, prevent avoidable foreclosures, and ensure local lenders are equipped to finance housing in the communities they serve.

• Provisions from H.R. 2031, the HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act (included in Section 201), strengthen the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME program by easing compliance for small properties and increasing flexibility for nonprofit housing providers, so funds can be used effectively to serve low-income and extremely low-income households.
• H.R. 6726, the Reforms to Housing Counseling and Financial Literacy Programs Act of 2025 (Section 405), funds foreclosure mitigation counseling for borrowers who are 30 days delinquent on their mortgage payments, helping families avoid foreclosure.
• H.R. 5913, the Community Investment and Prosperity Act (Section 303), expands banks’ ability to invest private capital in affordable housing, small business lending, and community revitalization by increasing the public welfare investment (PWI) cap from 15% to 20%.
• H.R. 3234, the Keeping Deposits Local Act (Section 602) modernizes the treatment of reciprocal deposits to improve liquidity for small and midsize banks, positioning them to expand local lending and inject more capital into affordable housing development.
• H.R. 3709, the Advancing the Mentor-Protégé Program for Small Financial Institutions Act (Section 602), codifies the Treasury Department’s Financial Agent Mentor-Protégé Program to strengthen partnerships between large banks, community banks, and minority depository institutions (MDIs), helping smaller lenders grow and better support housing and community development.

Ohio Impact

Several provisions in the package will support Ohio housing organizations in their efforts to increase supply and will strengthen Ohio’s community banks and mid-size financial institutions like Fifth Third, Huntington, and KeyBank, supporting neighborhoods seeking solutions to the affordable housing crisis.

“Central Ohio has long been the kind of place where a family can confidently aspire to buy a home, start a family, and retire in peace,” said Carlie J. Boos, Executive Director, Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio (AHACO). “As costs rise nationwide, we see just how instrumental affordable housing is to this fulfilling life. The Housing for the 21st Century Act is an essential achievement that protects affordability and expands it to the next generation. This bipartisan legislation serves our people, expands housing partnerships, rewards innovation, and reduces bureaucracy. AHACO is excited to see the vision of Representative Beatty and her colleagues on the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services come to life.”

“We applaud Congresswoman Joyce Beatty for her leadership in advancing H.R. 6644 and for ensuring that critical housing and community development priorities are included in this legislation,” said Leah F. Evans, President & CEO, Homeport. “These provisions strengthen the tools communities rely on to expand affordable housing, preserve homeownership, and unlock private and public investment where it is needed most. By supporting community land trusts, housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, and increased community investment capacity, this legislation reflects a meaningful commitment to housing stability and economic opportunity for families and neighborhoods across Central Ohio and the nation.”

“Congresswoman Beatty continues to be a leader in advancing policies that strengthen communities in Central Ohio and across the country,” Ian Labitue, President and CEO, Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County. “The provisions she championed address critical needs in our housing ecosystem, from expanding HOME fund accessibility for land trusts providing affordable homeownership to increasing capital for community development through local financial institutions. As a CDFI working to increase housing affordability, we know these reforms translate directly into more homes for working families and stronger neighborhoods. The Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus & Franklin County commends the Congresswoman for her tireless advocacy and ability to build bipartisan consensus on solutions that make a real impact.”

“The mentor-protégé program is a lifeline for small banks like Adelphi, allowing us to get support from different banks on a range of issues, from questions about loan structures to technical support from IT,” said Jordan Miller, Chairman and CEO, Adelphi Bank. “We also rely greatly on reciprocal deposits to increase liquidity and improve our standing from the regulators’ perspective. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Beatty for championing these policies that provide huge relief to MDIs and small banks so we can empower our community members to build wealth.”

“We appreciate Congresswoman Beatty’s steadfast commitment to pursue solutions addressing the affordable housing crisis that affects so many individuals and families in Ohio and across the country,” said Robert Likes, President, KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment, Affordable Housing. “As one of the nation’s leading affordable housing capital providers, we witness every day how private sector investments can change lives—providing stability, dignity, and a foundation for opportunity. This legislation will increase the industry’s ability to make those needed investments to help meet the significant need for affordable housing while opening more pathways for people to achieve economic mobility and build brighter futures.”

The legislation passed the House and now advances to the Senate for consideration.

Read the full bill text HERE. 

Video available: Congresswoman Beatty delivers House floor remarks on the housing package HERE. 

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

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement after the House approved H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21^st Century Act.

“Housing costs have soared beyond the reach of millions of American families thanks to Bidenflation, while outdated and burdensome red tape has constrained our nation’s affordable housing supply and limited our ability to expand it. Today’s House passage of the Housing for the 21^st Century Act is a critical step toward addressing this shortage by reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, modernizing HUD programs, and giving banks flexibility to deploy capital to increase our housing supply,” Speaker Johnson said. “I appreciate Chairman French Hill’s leadership and the work and contributions of all Members whose bills are included in this legislative package. House Republicans are committed to making homeownership affordable again for American families.”

“Owning a home has been the cornerstone achievement many Americans have equated with attaining the American Dream. Our Committee has been laser-focused on creating solutions and today, we delivered for the American people. The passage of the Housing for the 21^st Century Act includes real, bipartisan solutions to expanding supply, lowering costs, and providing families with more options. I commend Ranking Member Waters, Subcommittee Chair Flood, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Cleaver on collaborating on this legislation and I look forward to ultimately bringing a bicameral product to the President’s desk,” Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill said.

Bill text, here.

Section-by-section, here.

More on the bill, here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) reintroduced the Colorado Wilderness Act, a landmark bill that would permanently protect more than 720,000 acres of wilderness across 36 distinct areas in Colorado with the highest level of federal protection available.

The legislation comes as the Trump administration has spent the past year selling off public lands to oil and gas companies and mining firms, threatening some of America’s most treasured places.

“We cannot let Donald Trump and his cronies sell our country for parts and permanently destroy our public lands,” said DeGette. “Colorado’s majestic landscapes and vast wilderness areas are what make our state so special, and it’s why millions of outdoor adventurers come here each year to visit. It’s up to us to protect these precious lands for future generations to enjoy just as we’ve been able to do.”

The Colorado Wilderness Act would provide statutory protection against future attempts to privatize federal lands since once designated by Congress, these areas are protected in perpetuity, ensuring they remain for future generations. Senator Mike Lee’s twin efforts last year to embed land sale provisions in H.R. 1 and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) demonstrate that wilderness designation is the only way to ensure these areas remain in the public trust.

Protecting What Coloradans Want

Like much of their agenda, the Trump administration’s attacks on conservation protections run counter to the will of the people. According to a recent Colorado College poll, over 70% of respondents support protecting more wilderness and wild lands—compared with just 24% who want to see oil and gas development. The issue transcends partisan divides, with protecting public lands ranking as a top priority across the political spectrum in Colorado.

Despite this overwhelming public support, the administration has pursued unprecedented cuts to the staff and budgets dedicated to stewarding public lands across the United States, all while opening these areas up to exploitation by a handful of big oil billionaires and donors.

An Economic Imperative

Colorado’s public lands provide more than just unique places to visit—they are a major economic driver for the state. According to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry generates $37 billion in consumer spending each year and supports 511,000 jobs throughout the state.

The Colorado Wilderness Act strikes the necessary balance between preserving wild places and promoting economic development by ensuring these lands remain accessible for recreation, tourism, and the industries they support.

A Long Fight for Protection

Since 1999, Rep. DeGette has championed efforts to protect Colorado’s public lands. The House has voted to approve the Colorado Wilderness Act five times, including as part of DeGette’s Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act in February 2020 and most recently as part of the National Defense Authorization Act in July 2022.

Conservation Groups Rally Behind Protections

The Colorado Wilderness Act has garnered support from leading conservation organizations across the state.

“I applaud today’s action to renew efforts to achieve permanent protections for some of the most revered wildlands in Colorado, such as the renowned Dolores River canyon and three fourteen-thousand foot peaks in the San Juan Mountains – Redcloud, Sunshine and Handies. The BLM first proposed these areas be protected as wilderness more than 40 years ago, and it’s time Congress acted. I’ve been intensively engaged in advocacy on behalf of these wildlands for decades, and have had the great privilege of visiting a number of these areas with Rep. DeGette,” said Mark Pearson, Executive Director, San Juan Citizens Alliance.

“Wild Connections applauds Representative DeGette for introducing the Colorado Wilderness Act in 2026.  Over the past year, we have witnessed mounting challenges to our public lands and waters and the agencies that steward them. Representative DeGette’s leadership to expand Wilderness protections — especially for BLM-managed landscapes that have long been underrepresented in Colorado and across the West — reflects the urgency of safeguarding our most wild and ecologically important public lands in Colorado for future generations,” said John Sztukowski, Co-Executive Director for Conservation, Wild Connections.

More details about the Colorado Wilderness Act of 2026, including a map of areas included in the bill can be found here. A copy of the bill text is available here.