MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX), Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and a practicing dentist for more than 40 years, introduced the Oversight of Responsible Teledentistry for Healthy Outcomes (ORTHO) Act, H.R. 9829, to establish common-sense patient safety standards for orthodontic treatment provided through teledentistry.

“Teledentistry has expanded access to care for countless Americans, and when used appropriately, it can be a valuable tool. But convenience should never come at the expense of patient safety,” said Congressman Babin. “As a dentist for more than four decades, I understand the importance of a thorough clinical examination before beginning significant orthodontic treatment. Patients deserve the confidence of knowing their treatment decisions are based on an in-person evaluation, appropriate diagnostic records, and sound clinical judgment, not solely on an online interaction. The ORTHO Act strikes the right balance by preserving access to teledentistry while ensuring commonsense safeguards are in place to protect patients.”

“We applaud Congressman Brian Babin for his leadership in introducing the ORTHO Act and for bringing his decades of experience as a practicing dentist to this important patient safety issue,” said Dr. Mike Durbin, President of the American Association of Orthodontists. “Teledentistry and artificial intelligence are transforming the delivery of health care and can expand access to care when deployed in ways that preserve patient safety and professional accountability. The ORTHO Act establishes commonsense patient safety standards that ensure orthodontic treatment begins with an in-person clinical examination, appropriate diagnostic records, and the professional judgment of a licensed health care professional. By providing a clear framework for the responsible use of teledentistry, the legislation promotes responsible innovation while helping protect patients nationwide. The American Association of Orthodontists is proud to support the ORTHO Act and looks forward to working with Congress to advance these important patient protections.”

The ORTHO Act establishes baseline patient safety standards while preserving access to teledentistry by:

• Requiring an in-person dental examination before most dental treatment can be provided through teledentistry;
• Allowing exceptions for emergencies, public health programs, and initial orthodontic screenings;
• Requiring an in-person confirmation and X-ray review before orthodontic treatment begins;
• Authorizing enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general against violators; and
• Allowing patients to seek damages for willful violations.

The legislation is supported by the American Association of Orthodontists.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) introduced the Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act, legislation which aims to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing by encouraging long-term private investment through the creation of Maritime Prosperity Zones (MPZs).

The legislation follows recent plans to build a modern, large-scale shipbuilding project along Erie’s bayfront to support the U.S. Navy. A new shipyard in Erie is projected to create 1,000 jobs, plus an additional 2.67 jobs in other parts of the local economy for every shipyard job.

Kelly’s legislation also supports the Trump administration’s goalsto expand commercial shipbuilding capacity in the United States. Currently, the U.S. accounts for less than 1% of global commercial shipbuilding market share while China accounts for more than 53%, according to the 2025 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

“Expanding America’s shipbuilding production is vital for economic growth and national security. Currently, China, not the United States, has the world’s largest maritime fleet. The Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act takes a major step toward making America the dominant ship producer in our hemisphere, if not the world,” said Rep. Kelly. “Erie’s maritime past, its skilled manufacturing workforce, and geographic location make our region a perfect place to construct a new U.S. naval shipyard. I want to thank the Trump administration for their bold vision that made Maritime Prosperity Zones possible.”

“U.S. strength abroad depends on the revitalization of American shipyards. China embarked on a decades-long strategy to dominate an industry critical to both commerce and national defense. Now is the time for America to compete for the workforce and investments that build ships in the first place,” said Rep. Moran. “The Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act gives American investment a reason to bet on American shipyards again, and that’s how we rebuild an industry China has spent years trying to monopolize.”

You can find bill text here and a one-pager here.

BACKGROUND

The establishment of new Maritime Prosperity Zones (MPZs), modeled after President Trump’s highly successful 2017 Opportunity Zones (OZs) initiative, will incentivize and leverage domestic private capital and allied investment in America’s maritime industries and waterfront communities. Rep. Kelly has led OZ legislation in Congress — both in the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act and in the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts.

The United States faces gaps in the supply of, and demand for the capabilities and capacity of
its maritime industry. Now is a critical time in America’s maritime history, as decades of
industrial decline has significantly eroded shipbuilding capacity, the U.S.-flagged fleet, and
the health of the MIB.

Establishing Maritime Prosperity Zones would incentivize and align new domestic and allied
investment in U.S. maritime industries and waterfront communities; address myriad supply and demand issues; and reduce dependence on unreliable suppliers through heightened cooperation with allies and partners.

Earlier this month, Kelly wrote an op-ed in the Erie Times-News highlighting the importance of building a shipyard in Erie. A new shipyard in Erie is projected to create 1,000 jobs, plus an additional 2.67 jobs in other parts of the local economy for every shipyard job.

• “Beyond the shores of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie, there is a larger geopolitical puzzle that is coming together. A 2024 analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) revealed China — not the United States — now possesses the world’s largest maritime force with 234 warships to the U.S. Navy’s 219. Moreover, a 2025 CSIS report indicates China is quickly evolving from a coastal navy into a “blue-water navy” with ambitions to project its power globally,” Kelly wrote.

This week, Kelly also co-led Moran’s new legislation, the American Shipyard Investment Act.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

• “The Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act is about putting America, and cities like Erie, PA back at the center of maritime innovation and production.  By creating maritime prosperity zones and unlocking investment in shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, we’re laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and national security,” said A.J. Lewis, CEO and Founder of SBD, Inc. in Erie, Pa. “Erie and the broader NW PA region have the properties, capacity, talent, and rich maritime history to lead this resurgence.  With strong local leadership aligned through Erie’s Maritime Initiative and buildshipsfaster.com campaign, this effort ensures our community is not just part of the conversation, yet at the forefront of rebuilding America’s maritime strength.”
• “Shipbuilding is part of Erie’s identity and a cornerstone of our future. Erie has the skilled workforce, industrial heritage, and strategic location to help meet our nation’s growing shipbuilding needs. By investing in this industry, we’re creating family sustaining careers, strengthening our local economy, and positioning Erie County as a key partner in supporting America’s maritime readiness,” said Christina Vogel, Erie County (Pa.) Executive. “Every investment in shipbuilding supports local businesses, creates opportunities for our residents, and reinforces our nation’s maritime strength. We’re proud to continue Erie’s long tradition of answering the nation’s call while building a stronger future for generations to come.” 
• “The Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act presents a forward-looking approach to
  strengthening U.S. shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing by encouraging long-term private investment through the creation of Maritime Prosperity Zones. We believe the legislation creates much needed incentives to attract capital, modernize facilities, and support sustained industrial growth,” said Joshua H. Juel, President and CEO of Chamber of Marine Commerce.
• “The Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act is firm step in the correct direction for revitalizing American shipbuilding.  The U.S. Great Lakes maritime industry stands ready to execute with robust shipyards, a strong industrial base, and the workforce needed to compete with foreign shipyards,” stated Jim Weakley, President of the Lake Carriers’ Association.
• “SMA applauds introduction of the Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act, led by steel
  champion Rep. Mike Kelly. A revitalized maritime industrial base is critical for U.S. economic
  prosperity and national security, and policies that expand domestic shipbuilding capacity support the men and women who make steel in America,” said Brandon Farris, Executive Vice President of the Steel Manufacturers Association. “This legislation builds on recommendations in the Maritime Action Plan to align federal tax policy with this important goal. Steel manufacturers are ready to supply the steel for the next great chapter in American shipbuilding.”
• “AISI thanks Rep. Kelly for his leadership in supporting the revival of American shipbuilding. Creating Maritime Prosperity Zones will help ensure that communities throughout the United States can contribute to rebuilding the supply chains necessary to sustain American shipbuilding. Renewed American shipbuilding will enhance opportunities for domestic steel to continue to support America’s maritime leadership,” said Kevin Dempsey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

Organizations supporting the Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act also include the American Shipbuilders Suppliers Association.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Rep. Panetta speaks on the House floor against the purely partisan budget resolution.

To watch the video, click HERE or on the above photo.

Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) issued the following statement after the Majority in the House of Representatives passed a purely partisan budget resolution, paving the way for $95 billion in spending:

“Rather than push back and prioritize the American people, the Majority put forward a budget resolution that spends more and borrows more just to please the President and promote his pet projects. Far from reducing costs, this bill hands the Administration billions for the President’s war in Iran, despite the lack of strategy and the passage of War Powers Resolutions by both the House and Senate. This third budget resolution also papers over damaging trade policies and provides funding to deter legally eligible voters. Congress should be lowering costs, responsibly managing our budget, and encouraging every American’s right to vote. I voted against the purely partisan budget resolution because Congress shouldn’t continue to give in to this Administration, but instead, we should be demanding answers, promoting fiscal responsibility, and exercising our constitutional power.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig released the following statement on her vote against House Republicans’ disastrous and blatantly anti-democratic budget reconciliation package that does nothing to lower costs for Minnesotans. 

“Today, Congressional Republicans jammed through their third disastrous budget bill this Congress — a plan that includes an additional $73 billion in defense and surveillance spending and $10 billion to implement President Trump’s election-rigging legislation.

“At a time when folks across this country are reeling from the impacts of President Trump’s short-sighted economic policies and his illegal war in Iran, the last thing we should be doing is allocating more money to an administration that clearly prioritizes the President’s own political and foreign policy objectives over the livelihoods of the American people.

“I am disappointed in my Republican colleagues for yet again bending to President Trump by enabling his dangerous efforts to rig our nation’s elections. This budget plan is a threat to our democracy, our national security and to every Minnesotan already struggling to make ends meet.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

 

(July 22, 2026) Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act.

“The Stop Insider Trading Act is a major step forward for ethics reform on Capitol Hill. It ensures no lawmaker can profit off of insider information,” said Steil. “I urge my Senate colleagues to quickly take it up and send it to President Trump’s desk.” 

 The Stop Insider Trading Act bill prohibits Members of Congress, spouses, and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks. The bill also requires public notice 7 days before a lawmaker, spouse, or dependent child may sell a stock. Finally, the bill institutes strict penalties for any violation. 

Watch Chairman Steil’s closing remarks on the House Floor in support of the bill here.
 

Background:

In January 2026, Chairman Steil introduced the Stop Insider Trading Act.   

The legislation:  

• Bans Members, their spouses, and their dependent children from purchasing a security issued by a publicly traded company.  
• Requires Members of Congress to file a public notice at least 7 days, but no more than 14 days, in advance for each intended sale with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or Secretary of the Senate. 

Penalties for a violation:  

• Requires the respective ethics committees to issue a fee equal to $2,000 or 10% of the value of the covered investment, whichever is greater.  
• Also requires forfeiture of any realized profit from a sale.  

The Stop Insider Trading Act passed the House on a bipartisan vote of 232-198.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore joined his Republican colleagues in voting to pass the Budget Resolution for Reconciliation 3.0 – the SAVE and Protect America Act – and H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, two key measures advancing election integrity, government accountability, and President Trump’s America First agenda. 

The Budget Resolution for Reconciliation 3.0 paves the way for legislation to enact the SAVE America Act, strengthen America’s national defense, and protect the nation’s food supply. The Stop Insider Trading Act prohibits Members of Congress from purchasing individual stocks, helps prevent lawmakers from profiting from inside information, and includes a provision requiring federal voter ID at polling places. 

Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:

“Today, House Republicans delivered on two key priorities that the American people have been demanding: restoring trust in our government and securing our elections. By passing the Budget Resolution for Reconciliation 3.0, including the SAVE America Act, and the Stop Insider Trading Act, including a requirement to show an ID when voting in federal elections, we are sending a clear message: we will not tolerate election fraud or putting personal gain over public service anymore. I urge the Senate to pass these critical bills immediately.”

The Budget Resolution now heads to the Senate, where passage will allow House committees to begin drafting the reconciliation legislation. The Stop Insider Trading Act also advances to the Senate for consideration. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement upon the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passing out of the House of Representatives, this afternoon, by a vote of 216–212.

“America’s military must remain the strongest, best-equipped, and most capable fighting force in the world,” Rep. Austin Scott said. “The amendments I sponsored strengthen our warfighters at Robins and Moody Air Force Bases, improve military readiness of our National Guard, modernize our defense enterprise, and reinforce the partnerships that are essential to deterring aggression. They reflect a commitment to ensuring our servicemembers have every advantage should they ever be called upon to defend our nation.”

Scott continued, “From protecting our Special Operations Forces and strengthening our defense industrial base to expanding cooperation with trusted allies like Poland and enhancing critical military capabilities, the amendments I have sponsored this cycle help ensure the United States is prepared to meet the security challenges of today and the threats of tomorrow.”

“Representative Austin Scott continues to be a leader on the House Armed Services Committee, advancing thoughtful reforms that strengthen our military and improve our nation’s readiness.  His amendments strengthen our military from the tactical level to the strategic level—supporting our Special Operations Forces, National Guard, defense industrial base, key allies, and critical warfighting capabilities such as the A-10. I appreciate his leadership and the significant contributions he made to this year’s National Defense Authorization Act,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03).

Representative Scott successfully secured adoption of 26 floor amendments that:

• Protect the identities of Special Operations Forces and other personnel involved in sensitive military activities.

• Strengthen intelligence and analysis of foreign defense-industrial supply chains supporting peer adversaries.

• Improve National Guard readiness by expanding counterdrug authorities and enhancing the National Guard’s representation across the joint force.

• Preserve the E-11 Battlefield Airborne Communications Node mission at Robins AFB and authorize expanded procurement of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

• Improve expeditionary infrastructure and contested logistics through enhanced Seabee readiness.

• Codify the Joint Special Operations University as the Department of Defense’s principal institution for special operations education, research, and professional development.

• Ensure deployed servicemembers are not charged for meals while serving aboard deployed or underway U.S. naval vessels.

• Expand U.S.-Poland cooperation through new military space and special operations partnership programs.

• Extend and modernize the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative through 2031.

• Increase funding for the Regional Defense Fellowship Program to strengthen security cooperation with allies and partners.

• Support military history, professional education, and institutional knowledge through statutory authorization of the Department of the Navy Library.

• Honor America’s naval heritage by expressing the sense of Congress that future Navy ships should bear the names USS United States and USS Shangri-La.

The Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and establishes policies to strengthen the readiness, capabilities, and effectiveness of the United States Armed Forces.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2027.

“This year’s NDAA strengthens America’s standing as the most powerful military force the world has ever known. President Trump has brought new meaning to the term ‘Peace Through Strength.’ This legislation provides American warfighters with the tools they need to win in any conflict, anywhere around the world. As I ascend in seniority on the Armed Services Committee, we will continue to perform for the country and fight for Louisiana priorities.” 

In his role on the Armed Services Committee, Congressman Higgins helped secure many provisions in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act that will directly benefit Louisiana. These include:

• $259M for Yard, Repair, Berthing, and Messing (YRBM) barge craft.
• $152M for the procurement of US Navy 40-foot Patrol Boats. 
• $5M for Louisiana industry to develop unmanned Arctic-capable vessels.
• $35M for defense technology innovation programs in partnership with the Louisiana Defense Research Consortium (LDRC) and UL-Lafayette.
• Language directing the Navy to develop and report on clear performance standards for integrating mission payloads onto unmanned surface vessels (USVs).
• $125M for the Platform Supply Vessel Program to support offshore maritime logistics.
• Language directing the Navy to evaluate the industrial base’s maintenance, logistics, and sustainment capacity needed to support large unmanned undersea vehicles. 
• $733M for the Ship to Shore Connector program. The NDAA also authorizes advanced procurement for the Ship to Shore Connector program to maintain its production schedule.
• Language directing a Navy and U.S. Marine Corps study to inform future requirements for advanced reconnaissance vessels for constituent shipbuilders.
• $7M for aerial computer sensor manufacturing in Louisiana.
• Language directing the Navy to develop a strategy to maintain a competitive and resilient unmanned surface vessel (USV) industrial base.
• Support for design and testing of USVs operating in contested environments. 
• Supporting continuity of mission and readiness during the transition of  F-5 to F/A18 fighter aircraft which will directly benefit Joint Reserve Base New Orleans.
• $53M for M917A3 heavy dump trucks for the Louisiana National Guard.
• Language directing the Army to assess how autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USVs) could protect U.S. watercraft in contested environments. 
• Authorization for the Louisiana National Guard and Navy Reserve to procure F-15EX fighter jets.
• $70M for 48-meter autonomous M3OPVs, supporting the Pentagon rapid prototyping initiative for autonomous vessels in contested logistics environments.
• $25M to modernize B-52 Agile Pod systems at Barksdale Air Force Base.
• Language requiring a quality-of-life assessment for the garrison at Joint Reserve Base New Orleans.
• $916M for funding additional C-130J aircraft for the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. 
• Language directing, when possible, the domestic production and sourcing of critical minerals for defense supply chains.
• Language prohibiting the procurement of vehicles and vehicle technologies from adversarial nations like China and Russia.
• $25M for the development of a directed energy satellite missile defense system. 
• $133M and report language for advancing sea-based petroleum distribution systems. 
• $13.5M for maneuverable spacecraft prototyping to support the U.S. Space Force.  
• Language establishing the National Guard Homeland Defense Service Ribbon for personnel engaged in missions to protect federal personnel and property, support law enforcement, secure the border, and restore public order.
• Language directing the U.S. Census Bureau to coordinate with the Department of War to provide an accurate count of personnel living on U.S. military installations, to prevent undercounting for congressional apportionment.

Congressman Higgins also worked with his colleagues to align this year’s NDAA with President Trump’s agenda, securing the following conservative victories:

• Stopping government waste, fraud, abuse, and theft by cutting nearly $30B in wasteful programs, as well as providing new authorities to stop fraudulent payments. 
• Strengthening nuclear deterrence, missile defense, as well as our critical resource supply chains to counter adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.  
• Expanding American production ability by cutting red tape for private sector innovators, and creating thousands of new jobs for Americans. 
• Codifying over 65 of President Trump’s executive orders and legislative proposals, fully funding the America First defense policy agenda.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027:

“Hardworking civilian federal employees at the Defense Department are no less deserving of an annual raise than their compatriots in uniform. Oftentimes, civilian and military personnel work side by side doing similar work at the Pentagon and on bases across the world, yet this National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) gives military personnel as much as a 7% raise while leaving civilian employees behind. That disparity is wrong, and it’s why I did not support this bill, which balloons the defense budget by over 28% and will cost more than a trillion dollars but cannot find enough funds to ensure parity in raises between civilian and military personnel. The Trump Administration should be ashamed of itself for proposing this pay disparity, and I urge the Senate to address it and insist on parity. All those who serve ought to receive our gratitude and respect.”