MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

May 15, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON —  U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) today introduced the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act to restore the casualty and theft loss tax deduction for Americans who have suffered devastating losses from fraud, cybercrime, structural home failures, or natural disasters.Under current law, taxpayers can only deduct casualty and theft losses if the loss occurred in a federally declared disaster area. This recent restriction, which has been a burden on so many Florida seniors and families, is on a previously allowed deduction dating back to before the start of the federal income tax which allowed many victims to deduct losses on assets they no longer possess. The Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act restores this deduction and retroactively applies it for tax years 2018 through 2024, providing much-needed relief to victims of theft.This bill addresses the recent policy recommendations by National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins, who was appointed by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin during the Trump Administration.“Hardworking Americans, especially seniors, who fall victim to scams, cybercrime, or disasters should not be forced to pay taxes on income they no longer have,” said Rep. Steube. “Victims of crime, calamity, and fraud deserve peace of mind as they work to regain their footing. This bill protects Americans who have lost everything by restoring fairness and common sense to the tax code.”“As hurricane season is around the corner, I will continue supporting policies that protect Floridians from scammers and fraudsters,” said Senator Moody. “My Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams and Disasters Act will provide commonsense tax relief for victims, often seniors, who have been financially devastated by scams, crimes, or destruction from disasters. This legislation will help folks get back on their feet when they experience hardship. When I was Attorney General of Florida, I made sure to fight for Floridians who fell victim to scams, and I will continue bringing this fight to D.C. so that folks have the protections they need.”The Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act is supported by the AARP, AICPA-CIMA, AMAC Action, American Land Title Association, CFP Board, The Elder Justice Coalition, Family Business Coalition, Financial Services Institute, Investment Advisers Association, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Association of Enrolled Agents, National Association of Realtors, Operation Shamrock, and National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA). 
“Family-owned businesses are built over generations, and when they fall victim to scams, disasters, or structural failures, the impact is devastating. Congressman Steube’s Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act restores a vital protection in the tax code that ensures these families aren’t taxed on income they’ve lost through no fault of their own. This is a common-sense targeted fix that reflects the realities family businesses face today.” —Palmer Schoening, Chairman of Family Business Coalition Background:Along with their work on the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act, Representative Steube and Senator Moody have championed the needs of victims of natural disasters and scams. In the last Congress, Representative Steube’s bipartisan Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act was passed and signed into law. This casualty loss legislation delivered much-needed tax relief for victims of disasters across 48 states between 2021 and 2025. While serving as Florida Attorney General, Moody helped lead the fight to prevent cybercriminals from targeting senior citizens, including shutting down six cyber schemes in less than three months in 2024. 
Read the full bill here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Washington, DC – This week, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) introduced the Care for Military Kids Act, a bipartisan bill to ensure that children of active duty servicemembers who are required to relocate for a deployment maintain their Medicaid coverage when moving across state lines. Specifically, this legislation would amend the Social Security Act to ensure that any dependent of an active duty servicemember currently receiving long-term care services through a state administered Medicaid plan will remain eligible should their family move due to relocation.

This bill was introduced alongside Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and is endorsed by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Blue Star Families, Partners in PROMISE, The Learning Disabilities Association of America, Tricare for Kids Coalition, and Easterseals, Inc.

“Our servicemembers give so much to this nation, and sacrifice so much. This includes being far from home and loved ones, while frequently relocating due to their assignments. Which is why this May, during Military Appreciation Month, I am once again honored to reintroduce this crucial bipartisan legislation for our military families alongside Congresswoman Kiggans,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “The Care for Military Kids Act seeks to establish streamlined Medicaid and CHIP plans for these heroes and their families, regardless of where their service takes them. It is crucial that we get this bipartisan effort to address the needs of our military community and their families across the finish line. By providing clarity and consistency in residency determinations, we can ensure that our brave men and women in uniform, and their children receive the full support, and care they deserve.”

“As a Navy veteran and Mom of four, I understand firsthand the unique sacrifices military families make – especially those raising children with disabilities,” said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02). “The Care for Military Kids Act ensures that no servicemember has to choose between answering the call of duty and making sure their child receives essential, life-sustaining care. This bipartisan bill is about fairness, dignity, and honoring the commitment we’ve made to support our military families, no matter where they’re stationed.”

“The Care for Military Kids Act represents a vital advancement in ensuring continuity of care for military children with complex medical needs,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO, Blue Star Families. “By standardizing state Medicaid residency requirements and maintaining waitlist positions across relocations, this legislation addresses a critical and long-standing gap in support for military families. We commend Congresswomen Kiggans and Kaptur for their leadership and commitment to those who serve our nation.”

“Medicaid plays a vital role in ensuring that students with disabilities have access to critical services and supports needed in school and educational settings,” said Cindy Cipoletti, Esq., CEO, The Learning Disabilities Association of America. “Our nation’s military families should not have to endure any disruption to these essential services simply because they relocate to another state in service to their country. Thank you to Representatives Kiggans and Kaptur for introducing this important legislation.”

“Partners in PROMISE is grateful for the leadership of Rep. Kiggans and Rep. Kaptur for their bipartisan efforts in introducing the Care for Military Kids Act,” said Michelle Norman, Executive Director and Founder. “This important provision will allow military families to retain critical healthcare services for their children with disabilities offered through Medicaid Waivers. Currently, military families are making tough choices—either living apart to keep their support or going without essential medical services to stay together. With this bill, we are investing in stronger military families, and as a result, a strong and ready military.”

Background:

You can find the full bill text here.

You can find a one pager on this bill here.

• People with disabilities often need long-term care services that help with everyday activities, such as eating, walking, medical equipment management, and more.
• Medicaid is the only government program that covers long-term care services for children with disabilities.
• TRICARE does not cover long term care services, meaning children with disabilities covered by TRICARE cannot receive the care they need.
• Military families often apply for Medicaid to cover these services. However, most military families are not eligible for Medicaid due to their income level, but can apply and be placed on a waitlist. Even those who do qualify are sent to the bottom of the waitlist when their parents who are active duty move to a new state.
• The Care for Military Kids Act will ensure that our servicemembers’ children get the critical care they need by amending the Social Security Act to ensure that any dependent of an active duty servicemember currently receiving long-term care services through a state administered Medicaid plan will remain eligible should their family move due to relocation.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Darren Soto (FL-09) are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to investigate the potentially unlawful diversion of $10 million in Medicaid funds by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, the Hope Florida Foundation and Centene in a letter released today.

Reps. Castor and Soto’s call for a Medicaid fraud investigation comes on the heels of the debate in the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee over the future of Medicaid and House Republicans’ cruel proposal to kick millions of Americans off Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. Republicans repeatedly claimed during the marathon Energy and Commerce debate that they were concerned about waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid. Castor and Soto now point to a concrete example of potential fraud and abuse, while urging an immediate investigation into this inappropriate diversion of taxpayer funds to an unrelated political action committee. 

“As members of the U.S. House Committee that provides oversight of Medicaid, I can assure you that Congress is very focused on waste, fraud and abuse of Medicaid dollars. Any unlawful diversion of Medicaid dollars in Florida means that the state is less able to provide services to our neighbors who rely on Medicaid and the providers who serve them,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers continued, “The diversion of Medicaid dollars requires immediate investigation. These are proceeds that rightfully belong to state taxpayers to serve the citizens who rely on Medicaid, including children, pregnant women, neighbors with disabilities and those served by long-term care.”

Castor and Soto serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicaid, and advocated for families and providers during the 26-hour Energy and Commerce Committee markup of the House Republicans’ cruel proposal to slash Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, which concluded yesterday.

Read the full letter here and below:

RE: Urge Investigation into Unlawful Diversion of Medicaid Funds in Florida 

Dear Acting Inspector General Hodgkins and Administrator Oz:

A recent bipartisan investigation by the Florida Legislature and press reports have uncovered that proceeds from a legal settlement between the State of Florida and Florida’s largest Medicaid managed care operator, Centene, were inappropriately diverted to unrelated political committees. Federal law requires that Medicaid proceeds be used solely for health services authorized by law and for the benefit of those served by Medicaid. Therefore, we respectfully request that you investigate the potential unlawful diversion of Medicaid funds by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Hope Florida Foundation and Centene. Medicaid is a federal/state partnership, and the federal government may be entitled to recoup funds from the legal settlement and improperly diverted funds as well.

Hope Florida was established in 2021 as a referral program, operated by state employees, to direct Floridians to businesses, faith-based organizations and nonprofits for housing and social services instead of to government agencies. The Hope Florida Foundation is Hope Florida’s nonprofit arm and is subject to spending limits on lobbying and campaigns. According to its website, Hope Florida “firmly believe(s) that more government is not always the best solution to the problem. Instead, government is utilized as a meaningful connection point and then gets out of the way.” Many Florida state agencies prominently display links on their homepage to Hope Florida, directing individuals to a Hope Navigator instead of contacting a state agency, including the websites of Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and Florida Department of Elder Affairs. AHCA administers Florida’s Medicaid program.

On September 27, 2024, the State of Florida reached a settlement agreement with Centene relating to the overbilling of taxpayers by over $67 million. The agreement directed Centene to pay $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation through a wire transfer and pay the remaining $57 million to AHCA. The settlement also stated that “AHCA desires an expanded role for Hope Florida in the Florida Medicaid program.”  

On October 16, two days after receiving the $10 million wire transfer, the Hope Florida Foundation wired $5 million to Secure Florida’s Future, a 501(c)4 nonprofit that proposed spending the ‘grant’ on a “long-term, targeted business partner recruitment strategy and public awareness campaign.” 

On October 17, Secure Florida’s Future donated $2 million to Keep Florida Clean Inc., a Political Action Committee (PAC) controlled by Governor DeSantis’s then-chief of staff James Uthmeier that was created to campaign against Amendment 3, a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. Governor DeSantis strongly opposed Amendment 3. Days later, Secure Florida’s Future sent Keep Florida Clean Inc. an additional $1.75 million. 

On October 22, the Hope Florida Foundation wired $5 million to the 501(c)4 nonprofit Save Our Society from Drugs that proposed spending the ‘grant’ on “developing and implementing strategies that directly address the substance use crisis facing our communities.” 

On October 23, the next day, Save Our Society from Drugs donated $1.6 million to Keep Florida Clean Inc. Over the coming days, Save Our Society from Drugs donated an additional $3.15 million to Keep Florida Clean Inc. 

While there are limited financial disclosure requirements associated with 501(c)4 organizations, records appear to show that a total of $8.5 million from the Centene settlement with AHCA went from the Hope Florida Foundation to the Amendment 3-focused Keep Florida Clean, Inc. PAC, the same PAC that also donated funding to the Republican Party of Florida and the Florida Freedom Fund. 

The transfer of Medicaid dollars to a charitable committee and then political committees appears to run afoul of federal law, including 18 U.S.C. 1347 (to knowingly execute or attempt a scheme to defraud a health care benefit program or obtain money from it) and 18 U.S.C. 371 (for two or more people to agree to defraud the United States.), and may implicate other relevant statutes and regulations. As members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee that provides oversight of Medicaid, we can assure you that Congress is very focused on waste, fraud and abuse of Medicaid dollars. Any unlawful diversion of Medicaid dollars in Florida means that the state is less able to provide services to our neighbors who rely on Medicaid and support the providers who serve them.

Hope Florida had raised only about $2 million during its three years of existence, but in one fell swoop, received $10 million from a Medicaid settlement, which was immediately funneled through other nonprofits to a PAC directed by the Governor’s Chief of Staff. The Florida House of Representatives initiated an investigation into what State Representative Alex Andrade called a potential “conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud,” but ultimately determined that “the best avenue is probably a federal investigation because…these were Medicaid dollars.”  The diversion of Medicaid dollars requires immediate investigation. These are proceeds that rightfully belong to serve the citizens who rely on Medicaid, including children, pregnant women, neighbors with disabilities and those served by long-term care.

Therefore, we respectfully urge you to investigate whether or not the $10 million settlement scheme violates federal law and complies with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) legal and regulatory framework and any other applicable federal laws and regulations.  

Sincerely,

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that South Louisiana waterway projects will receive robust funding in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers FY 2025 Army Civil Work Plan.

“Maintaining our ports and waterways is an investment in our future,” said Congressman Higgins. “My office will continue to work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local stakeholders to prioritize funding for dredging and waterway projects in South Louisiana. The FY25 Work Plan provides critical support for our ports, waterways, locks, and flood control infrastructure across Louisiana’s 3^rd District. We will continue to push for the economic success of South Louisiana and our nation by funding our maritime infrastructure.”

Operation & Maintenance projects in Louisiana’s 3^rd District were awarded:

• $48,541,000 for the Atchafalaya River and Bayous Chene, Boeuf and Black,
• $7,276,000 for Bayou Lafourche and Lafourche Jump Waterway,
• $1,035,000 for Bayou Teche and Vermilion River,
• $2,082,000 for Bayou Teche,
• $34,559,314 for the Calcasieu River and Pass,
• $15,432,000 for Fresh Water Bayou,
• $26,159,000 for the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway,
• $14,967,000 for Houma Navigation Canal,
• $10,597,000 for the Mermentau River,
• $17,000 for the Waterway from Intracoastal Waterway to Bayou Dulac.

Construction projects in Louisiana’s 3^rd District were awarded:

• $9,000,000 to continue sediment disposal site construction for the Calcasieu River and Pass project.

Investigation projects in Louisiana’s 3^rd District were awarded:

• $2,000,000 to continue preconstruction engineering and design at the Port of Iberia.

Mississippi River and Tributaries projects in Louisiana’s 3^rd District were awarded:

• $650,000 for completion of the floodwall analysis for the Atchafalaya Basin project,
• $7,761,000 for the design and construction of feature three for Morganza to the Gulf,
• $1,613,000 for operations and maintenance of the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System,
• $31,197,000 for channel enhancements and guidewall repairs on the Atchafalaya Basin project.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) announced that he secured $172.711,000 through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Fiscal Year 2025 Work Plan for the Sabine-Neches Navigation District. These funds will be used to deepen the Sabine-Neches Waterway from its current 40-foot depth to its congressionally authorized depth of 48 feet, as authorized by the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2014. The Sabine-Neches Navigation District is authorized to execute the federal share of the project funding, allowing faster, more efficient progress on this critical infrastructure.

“This is a great day for Southeast Texas, and we are glad President Trump is back in office to prioritize critical projects like the Sabine-Neches Waterway, one of the most vital waterway systems in the country,” said Rep. Weber. “This funding will strengthen America’s energy and national security, continue to grow our economy, and support jobs right here at home. I am proud to fight for the funding our region needs to remain the commerce and energy leader for decades. Again, thank you, President Trump.”

“I want to express our deepest gratitude to President Trump, OMB Director Vought and Congressman Weber for their confidence in The Sabine-Neches Navigation District,” said Randy Reese, CEO of Sabine-Neches Navigation District. “Our entire team, and my COO Matthew Kaufman have worked diligently for decades to prepare us to answer this call.  Southeast Texas’ strength is its people, its industry and its ports. The recognition and responsibility The White House has put on our shoulders is humbling, and we will not let the nation down.”

“This $172,711,000 in federal funding and its pivotal language authorizing the Sabine-Neches Navigation District to execute continued construction, directly utilizing federal funds, is effective and efficient, said Matthew Kaufman, Chief Operating Officer of Sabine-Neches Navigation District. “It will expedite the deepening of America’s most vital energy and military ship channel – all the way to 48 feet.  We will ensure these hard earned tax dollars strengthen our nation for all Americans and answer President Trump’s call to Unleash American Energy Dominance.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

May 15, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sean Casten (D-IL), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, and 39 other Members sent a letter to the Chief Executive Officers of leading U.S. financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, Northern Trust, BlackRock, Franklin Templeton Investments, State Street Global Advisors, PIMCO, and Invesco. The letter follows recent decisions by U.S. financial institutions and investment companies to abandon their previous commitments to combat climate change amidst growing political pressure from the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans.

In the letter, the lawmakers criticize the companies for withdrawing from several global coalitions of leading companies committed to combating climate change, particularly in light of our nation’s worsening climate crisis. In fact, 2024 was the hottest year on record, with natural disasters increasing in frequency and severity, causing billions in damages. The letter also highlights the past findings of key financial regulators that have repeatedly flagged climate risk as a rising threat to the economy and U.S. financial stability. For example, the Financial Stability Oversight Council identified climate risk in its 2022, 2023, and 2024 reports, urging financial institutions to manage their exposure to climate-related risks. Similarly, in 2023, the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency reaffirmed that climate change poses a significant risk to the stability of financial institutions and the broader economy. 

“We write to express disappointment over your company’s decision to backtrack on its climate goals in response to political pressure and the influence of fossil fuel special interests. Your organization recently withdrew from a coalition of leading global companies committed to taking significant actions to address the serious financial threats posed by climate change. Ignoring climate change’s destabilizing effects on the economy is not an option,” wrote the lawmakers. “…It bears repeating that climate risk is financial risk, a fact acknowledged by investors, asset managers, businesses, and regulators, including many of your organizations.”

The lawmakers also underscore the negative consequences of turning a blind eye to their climate commitments which will exacerbate financial risks and as a result, directly affect how investors allocate their funds. 

“Financial institutions contribute to the emissions of nearly every business sector, making your organization a crucial player in limiting the average global temperature rise and seizing the economic opportunities presented by the transition to a low-carbon economy. Moreover, as top financiers of fossil fuels, a failure to address financed emissions could expose banks to long-term climate impacts, including the risk of stranded assets,” added the lawmakers.

In closing, the lawmakers emphasize the importance of climate coalitions and commitments, and request the CEOs provide detailed answers by May 29, 2025 to a series of questions, including explanations for their reversal on climate commitments, what they are currently doing to achieve previously stated net-zero carbon emissions goals, and the nature of their correspondence with the Trump Administration.

See the letter HERE.

Full list of signers: Representatives: Maxine Waters (D-CA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Donald Beyer (D-VA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Jesús García (D-IL), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Al Green (D-TX), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Henry Johnson (D-GA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Summer Lee (D-PA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Doris Matsui (D-CA), James McGovern (D-MA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Eleanor Norton (D-DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Nikema Williams (D-GA).

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)

U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a permanent Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs within the U.S. Department of State. 

Following its initial creation by the State Department in 2022, this bill would formally codify the position of U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs to ensure the role becomes a permanent fixture of U.S. foreign policy and Arctic engagement.

Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA-02) and Mark Amodei (R-NV-02) joined Bera in introducing the bill in the House. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

“The Arctic is a critical region for U.S. national security, economic development and environmental preservation,” said Representative Bera. “From increased ship traffic to growing competition with Russia and China, the United States must ensure we have a strong, unified presence in the Arctic. This legislation will help us do just that by formally establishing a senior diplomat position charged with leading and coordinating America’s Arctic strategy.”

Reporting directly to the Secretary of State, the Ambassador-at-Large would coordinate efforts across federal agencies and international partners to advance U.S. security and scientific interests, strengthen Arctic cooperation, promote sustainable development, protect the environment and empower Indigenous Arctic communities.

“As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how Arctic issues—from melting ice caps to rising geopolitical tensions—impact both U.S. national security and global stability,” Bera added. “This Ambassador will ensure the United States leads with our values, partners with our allies and protects one of the most strategically significant regions of the world.”

“Establishing a permanent ambassador-level position is an important step to coordinate U.S. interests in the Arctic,” said Rep. Larsen. “The position also demonstrates Congress’ bipartisan commitment to international cooperation with regional partners on Arctic policy.”

“A strong U.S. presence in the Arctic is essential to securing our geopolitical interests and countering adversarial influence,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “As the region presents growing strategic opportunities in security, science, and development, U.S. representation ensures we remain a leading voice in shaping its future and advancing shared values with our allies.”

You can read the full legislation here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

May 15, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, top Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee introduced the Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act, a landmark bill that ensures Tribal Nations are full and equal partners in the management of federal lands. The legislation would direct the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to incorporate Tribal co-management into decision-making processes—affirming Tribal sovereignty and fulfilling the U.S. federal government’s longstanding trust and treaty obligations.

“As wildfires grow more devastating and climate change accelerates, we simply cannot afford to ignore the expertise of those who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial,” said Ranking Member Huffman. “For too long, the federal government has left Tribal Nations out of decision-making processes when it comes to managing public lands, but these lands often hold deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance for Tribal communities. This bill changes that by creating a clear framework for real, equal partnership—where Tribes help shape decisions, lead restoration efforts, and bring their knowledge to the table in a way that is respected, protected, and empowered. This bill would help build a foundation for shared stewardship that respects Tribal sovereignty, improves forest health, and strengthens our communities against climate-driven disasters. It’s long overdue.”

“Federal recognition and respect for the deeply rooted relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land is overdue,” said Vice Ranking Member Sarah Elfreth. “As the original stewards of this land for centuries, their wisdom and lived experiences in preserving ecosystems, waterways, and natural resources like our forests offer generational knowledge we cannot afford to overlook. The Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act takes an important step in ensuring Indigenous communities have their rightful seat at the table.”

“Tribal Nations have been stewards of our forests and lands since time immemorial, guided by deep cultural knowledge and respect for the natural world,” said Representative Teresa Leger Fernández, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. “When we recognize Tribes authority to lead and co-manage our public lands, we not only honor their sovereignty—we also protect our forests, our water, and our future. The Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act recognizes that Tribal leadership is not just a matter of justice, it is essential for a healthy planet and resilient communities.”

“I’m proud to join Ranking Member Huffman in introducing this bill to elevate Tribal voices in land management decisions. In Colorado, where many Tribes, including the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute, have deep ties to the land, this landmark bill will improve Tribal co-management of our public lands.” said Representative Joe Neguse, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. “I’m excited to join my colleagues in an effort to recognize Tribal Nations as equal partners in land stewardship, and uplift their longstanding ecological knowledge.”

“Tribal Nations have managed these lands for thousands of years—they know what they’re doing,” said Representative Val Hoyle, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries. “If we’re serious about preserving our federal lands and preventing wildfires, we need to work with the people who’ve been protecting these forests long before the federal government existed. This bill gives Tribes the seat at the table they deserve and brings their deep knowledge into decisions that make our communities safer and our forests stronger.”

“Tribal Nations were stewards of their own lands for centuries before the U.S. government stepped in–they deserve an equal role in managing them now. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that affirms Tribal sovereignty and strengthens Indigenous partnerships in the management of federal lands. Our state is home to 22 federally recognized tribes; this bill ensures Tribal voices are central in shaping the future of our forests and public lands, especially as we work together to address the climate crisis,” said Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Ranking Member of the Energy and Minerals Subcommittee.

BACKGROUND

Tribal Nations have stewarded these lands since time immemorial, using traditional ecological knowledge to reduce wildfire risk, restore ecosystems, and protect sacred cultural resources. Yet despite this expertise, many Tribes continue to face bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of statutory authority that limit their participation in land management decisions.
 
This bill seeks to change that.
 
The Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act:

• Requires the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Indian Affairs to develop Tribal Co-Management Plans in coordination with the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee.
• Mandates culturally appropriate training for Department of the Interior employees engaged in Tribal Co-Management work.
• Extends statutory authority to the U.S. Forest Service to enter into co-management agreements with Tribes for activities including forest planning, ecological restoration, recreation, and research.
• Ensures regular review of Tribal Co-Management Plans and allows Tribes to request reviews following natural disasters.
• Directs agencies to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into planning, with safeguards to protect data sovereignty and cultural integrity.
• Reduces administrative burdens on Tribes by streamlining reporting and compliance processes.

STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT

“We are excited to endorse Rep. Huffman’s tribal self-determination and co-management in forestry bill. Karuk people have been managing our homelands since time immemorial and partnering with the US Forest Service for decades. We appreciate that this bill recognizes the importance of sovereign-to-sovereign co-management frameworks that enable us to do the important work of proactively managing our forests and making our landscapes more resilient to wildfire in a manner consistent with our indigenous knowledge practice and belief systems. We look forward to progressing these efforts in a bipartisan manner to enable more proactive management across multi-jurisdictional landscapes” Karuk Chairman Russell “Buster” Attebery

“The Stewardship Project supports the Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act as a vital step toward reorienting federal land management around active stewardship and Indigenous leadership. This bill directly reflects recommendations from the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission by ensuring Tribes are not just consulted, but empowered as equal partners in forest management.”  The Stewardship Project Co-Chairs Scott Stephens, Don Hankins, and Sara Clark

“This legislation builds upon the shared stewardship authorities authorized by past Congresses to create a permanent co-management role in improving the health and resilience of federal lands.  It would give tribes the ability to expand the successful models and practices used in Indian Country for the benefit of all federal land within their traditional territories.  We fully support Congressman Huffman’s legislation and urge its passage by Congress.”  Cody Desautel, President, InterTribal Timber Council 

“Sustainable Northwest supports the Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act and Representative Huffman’s recognition of Tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. Legislation designed to protect and manage federal lands must respect, uphold, and implement the legally binding obligations the federal government has to Tribal nations. This legislation paves the way for a new approach to manage and enhance federal lands, add workforce capacity, and uphold Tribal and treaty rights in land management by formally including Tribal Nations in planning and decision-making.” Dylan Kruse, President, Sustainable Northwest

“The Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition is strongly in support of the Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act which advances opportunities for Tribal co-management and co-stewardship of federal public lands. This bill is an important step in bolstering Tribal sovereignty, honoring protected Tribal rights, and bringing Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge into federal forest and grassland management. We thank Congressman Huffman for his leadership on this issue critical to the stewardship and resilience of rural communities and landscapes of the West.” Laurel Harkness, Coalition Director, Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition

“The Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission recognized co-management of federal lands with Tribes as a critical tool to achieve wildfire risk reduction. This bill expands the ability of the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to partner with Tribes to plan and accomplish much-needed restoration and risk reduction work and is an important step forward in expansion of federal co-management authority.” Tyson Bertone-Riggs, Managing Director, Alliance for Wildfire Resilience 

“Tribal Co-Management Plans are an important vehicle for fulfilling our nation’s treaty and trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations and improving the overall stewardship of fire-dependent public lands. The Climate and Wildfire Institute supports The Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act as a vital pathway for addressing the wildfire crisis by upholding and advancing Tribal rights and access consistent with recommendations from the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report.” Marissa Christiansen, Executive Director at the Climate and Wildfire Institute

“Our forests are unhealthy, and Tribal communities are held back from applying time-tested and locally driven practices in our own homelands. This bill on co-management is a fundamental step forward to restore forests and our communities who have managed them for thousands of years.” Ryan Reed, (Karuk, Hupa, Yurok), Director of FireGeneration Collaborative (FireGen)
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

Gomez: “If you’re born here, you’re a citizen of the U.S. That simple.”

Watch his TikTok here.

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) issued the following statement via TikTok as the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a case that could allow former President Trump to move forward with his immigration agenda and efforts to end birthright citizenship:

“Today the Supreme Court is hearing arguments on whether Trump can end birthright citizenship — and strip lower courts of the power to stop him. The 14th Amendment is clear: if you’re born here, you’re a citizen of the U.S. That simple. We must ensure the Supreme Court makes the right decision because if it doesn’t, it’ll change the character of our nation, and Trump can’t rewrite the Constitution.”

The case before the Court involve challenges to nationwide injunctions issued by three federal judges that have so far blocked Trump’s executive order denying citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their parents are undocumented or some temporary foreign residents. The Trump administration is urging the Court to overturn or limit the injunctions—potentially allowing the policy to take effect in large parts of the country, creating chaos and leaving children in legal limbo and families in crisis.

As the son of immigrants, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) has been a strong advocate for immigrant families. Rep. Gomez filed an amicus brief earlier this year urging the Court to uphold the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship. He’s a proud supporter of the Dream and Promise Act of 2025, which would provide a clear path to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. He has called on the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately halt efforts to misuse confidential taxpayer data for immigration enforcement. He is also leading the effort to reinstate the Citizenship and Assimilation (C&A) Grant Program, which supports organizations that help legal residents become U.S. citizens.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

Today, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) introduced the Protecting Retirement and Health Benefits for Working Families Act to safeguard Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans Affairs, and other critical federal benefits and services from Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency”. 

“New Jerseyans up and down the state have worked hard throughout their careers to earn the retirement and health benefits they deserve. Yet right now, Elon Musk and Donald Trump are attempting to dismantle the very agencies that ensure these programs run smoothly. My legislation makes sure that before any cuts or office closures are enacted, the Trump Administration must prove to Congress that these actions won’t harm the benefits Americans rely on. And if they do cause harm, this bill will force the Administration to undo the damage and reinstate employees. I refuse to sit by as an unelected billionaire lines his own pockets with the money that hardworking families, seniors, and veterans have rightfully earned,” said Rep. Sherrill.

The Protecting Retirement and Health Benefits for Families Act would require several federal agencies (the Social Security Administration, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Internal Revenue Service, and Department of Housing and Urban Development) to certify to Congress that any planned staffing cuts or regional office closures will not impact the provision of benefits or financial assistance to Americans. 

The bill also requires the Inspector General at each of those agencies to conduct a study, within one year, of any of these enacted certifications to ensure that layoffs/closures haven’t harmed benefit receipt, and if benefit receipt has been negatively impacted the agency will be required to reverse those layoffs/closures. 

Without any Congressional authorization, the Trump Administration has attempted to gut critical federal agencies to pay for a tax cut for the ultra-wealthy:

• The Social Security Administration has enacted, or attempted to enact, mass staffing layoffs, phone service cuts, and local and regional office closures. Since January, DOGE has cut about 7,000 Social Security Administration jobs, or 12% of its entire workforce.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs attempted to cut billions of dollars in contracts, but was stopped after Democrats and veterans service organizations warned that it would hurt critical veterans’ health services. It also instituted a hiring freeze for more than 300,000 VA health jobs. 
• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services granted DOGE access to agency systems and technologies after Musk claimed “this is where the big money fraud is happening.” Washington Republicans are currently looking to cut $880 billion from Medicaid to fund trillions in tax breaks for billionaires. HHS Secretary Kennedy has also announced plans to cut 10,000 employees at the Department of Health and Human Services, including 300 at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
• DOGE is reportedly considering cutting the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s staff by as much as 50% and cutting half of the department’s regional offices.

In addition to protecting vital retirement and health care benefits for American families, Rep. Sherrill last month introduced legislation aimed at holding Elon Musk and DOGE accountable for their actions and access to sensitive government information. The Drug Testing For Special Government Employees Act would require Musk and his DOGE employees to pass drug tests and undergo random drug screenings to retain their Special Government Employee status. Given Musk’s well-documented history of drug use, this measure would ensure that those handling the nation’s most sensitive data cannot be compromised or manipulated due to illegal drug use.

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