Higgins Introduces Legislation to Reject Oppressive Mandates and Improve the Integrity of Horse Racing

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) has introduced H.R. 3378, the Racehorse Health and Safety Act (RHSA), which protects the health and welfare of racing horses and improves the integrity and safety of horse racing. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

This legislation is a direct response to the concerns surrounding the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), which was signed into law, through an omnibus bill, in 2020. Passed with the intention of bringing uniformity to the horse racing industry, HISA establishes a wide set of rules that are implemented and enforced by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. Since its passage, which Congressman Higgins opposed, HISA has been riddled with legal setbacks, including the death of 12 horses at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.

The Racehorse Health and Safety Act would:

  • Repeal the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA);
  • Grant states the right to enter into the interstate compact, which is a contract between multiple states to develop nationwide rules governing scientific control and racetrack safety for horse racing;
  • Establish the Racehorse Health and Safety Organization (RHSO), which will regulate the horse racing industry;
  • Establish three Scientific Medication Control Committees (SMCCs) to draft recommended rules for each breed.

“Government overreach is impacting industries across our nation with rules in places where they have no business being,” said Congressman Higgins. “The well-intentioned disaster of HISA proved that enforcing uniformed rules in horse racing plagues the industry with confusion and disruption. This legislation is rooted in science and draws from industry experts. It is of horsemen, by horsemen, and for horsemen. We must push back against federal oppression and protect the horse racing industry and the beautiful animals we love.”

“The RHSA will provide horse owners and racetracks flexibility, while also bringing safe and effective regulation to the horseracing industry,” said Senator Cotton.

Read the legislation here.

Rep. Norcross Outraged by Republicans Cuts to Lifesaving Healthcare and Food Assistance for Seniors, Children, Veterans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released a statement on Republicans budget plan to slash Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and food assistance from our seniors, veterans, children, and hard-working families. This week, Republicans released a plan that dictates the specific cuts they would be making to these programs and voted for them in their Congressional committees.

“Trump and Republicans in Congress spent months lying to the American people, saying they would preserve health care, and they wouldn’t touch Medicaid,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “This week, Republicans voted to make the largest cuts to Medicaid and food assistance in American history. Millions of seniors, veterans, children, and hardworking families will lose their healthcare coverage, and millions more will be left hungry. Let’s be clear; when Medicaid is cut, people don’t ‘tighten their belts.’ They lose access to life-saving medications, they skip doctor visits because they can’t afford them, they forgo vital surgeries and, in some cases, they die. Cutting Medicaid won’t create prosperity it will create poverty.  We must fight back, because Medicaid matters, food for our seniors and children matters. I will never stop fighting for our seniors, veterans, children, and hard-working families in South Jersey.”

The Republican budget plan will end healthcare coverage for almost 14 million Americans: 

  • The bill’s Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts terminate health insurance for 8.6 million Americans
  • Republicans’ plans to take away enhanced tax credits cause another 5.1 million Americans to lose coverage.

The Republican budget plan directs:

  • At least $700 billion in Medicaid cuts, terminating health insurance and slashing benefits, like home care and mental health services, for low-income seniors, kids, veterans, people with disabilities, and working families.
  • A $350 billion cut to the Affordable Care Act because Republicans refuse to extend tax credits that ensure Americans can afford their health coverage 

Largest cut to SNAP, which provides critical food assistance for low-income families, in American history:

  • 27,000 grocery stores could be at risk of closure due to a massive loss in revenue, creating and exacerbating food deserts in largely rural areas.

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Stefanik Encourages AG Pam Bondi to Investigate New York State’s Unconstitutional Gun Laws

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

Stefanik Encourages AG Pam Bondi to Investigate New York State’s Unconstitutional Gun Laws | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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Congressman Valadao Protects the Central Valley from Illegal Street Racing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) to reintroduce the They’re Fast, We’re Furious Act. This bipartisan bill would establish a Street Racing Prevention and Intervention Task Force under the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to coordinate local, state, and federal strategic responses to street racing and unlawful organized street shows. The task force would directly address the impacts of street racing and develop best practices to combat the problem, creating safer communities and potentially saving lives.

Congressman Valadao co-sponsored the They’re Fast, We’re Furious Act of 2023 in the 118th Congress.

“In the Central Valley, street racing is an epidemic that puts our communities in danger,” said Congressman Valadao. “Kern County’s fatal hit-and-run accident rate is over 151% higher than the national average, and deadly crashes are a direct result of reckless driving at high speeds. Illegal street racing in our neighborhoods puts the lives of other drivers, first responders, and innocent bystanders at risk, and I’m proud to join Congresswoman Pettersen to give law enforcement the tools they need to combat this dangerous trend.”

“I’ve heard from constituents across Broomfield and Jefferson Counties who are concerned by the illegal street racing on the rise in our communities, including the death of a college student in Westminster caused by a street racing incident” said Rep. Pettersen. “As a mom, I’m committed to making sure our communities are a safe place for our kids and neighbors. That’s why I’m working with Congressman Valadao during National Police Week to ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to crack down on reckless driving and save lives.”

Background:

A national study analyzing data from 2018 to 2022 found that two counties in California’s 22nd Congressional District—Kern and Tulare—rank among the top 25 in the nation for fatal hit-and-run crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding has contributed to roughly one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities over the past two decades. Illegal street racing and unlawful street shows are becoming increasingly common across the Central Valley, and with growing populations and more vehicles on the road, the risk of tragic outcomes continues to rise.

Beyond the dangerous nature of these activities, street racing and unlawful street shows cause noise and safety disruptions, negatively impacting neighborhoods in rural areas and large cities alike. This bill is a step towards cracking down on these dangerous activities, as the established task force would coordinate efforts nationwide and ensure law enforcement and agencies have the best information and resources available. Members of the task force would be appointed by the Attorney General, Secretary of Transportations, and the FBI Director, and would be composed of employees from the DOJ Criminal Division, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the FBI, and local and state law enforcement agencies.

Read the full bill here.

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Carter announces $35 million in additional funding for Brunswick Port

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

Headline: Carter announces $35 million in additional funding for Brunswick Port

Carter announces $35 million in additional funding for Brunswick Port

Washington, May 15, 2025

BRUNSWICK – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) announced today that the Port of Brunswick will receive $35 million in additional funding as part of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Work Plan for operations and maintenance of the channel for the #1 Ro/Ro port in the nation.


“We have worked diligently with the Corps to address unacceptable shortfalls in maintenance at the Port of Brunswick. I am thrilled that our efforts paid dividends in the form of this much-needed funding. The world-class Georgia Ports are the economic engine of the southeast, and this funding will ensure that the Port of Brunswick has the funds necessary to maintain, operate, and strengthen one of the fastest growing ports in the nation,” said Rep. Carter.


“The Georgia Ports Authority is grateful that the Administration has prioritized the long-awaited funding necessary to properly maintain the Port of Brunswick. We are further grateful for the extraordinary advocacy of Chairman Carter, Chairman Collins, and the entire Georgia Congressional delegation on behalf of this important gateway. As the largest and busiest port in the United States for handling automobiles and machinery, the maintenance of Brunswick’s harbor is critical before vessel access to the port is limited,” said Griff Lynch, President and CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority.

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Huizenga, Foster, Moolenaar, and Krishnamoorthi Introduce the Chip Security Act to Detect and Prevent Illegal AI Chip Smuggling

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

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party John Moolenaar (R-MI), Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford (R-AR), House Intelligence Committee Member Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), House Intelligence Committee Member Darin LaHood (R-IL), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Member Ted Lieu (D-CA), introduced the Chip Security Act.

The Chip Security Act would require advanced chip manufacturers to implement technical security measures to detect and prevent smuggling to unauthorized countries and end-users. This legislation responds to ongoing reports of AI chips being smuggled into China, where they are used to power state-controlled AI projects. Despite export controls, smuggling networks and front companies continue to move U.S.-made chips into restricted countries.

“American innovation and AI computing technology has the potential to change everything from how we complete daily tasks to unlocking the next era of scientific breakthroughs” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “In order for the United States to maintain our technological advantage, we must employ safeguards to help ensure these advanced AI chips are not being shipped to bad actors who would use them for nefarious purposes. The Chips Security Act is a bipartisan solution that strengthens our ability to protect American interests as well as our technological advances.”

“As Congress’ chip designer, AI programmer, and PhD physicist, I know that we have the technical tools to prevent powerful AI technology from getting into the wrong hands. With advanced AI chips being smuggled into China and posing a national security risk, Congress must act,” said Congressman Bill Foster. “I’m proud to lead the effort on this bipartisan legislation, which is an important step in protecting our exports and ensuring that U.S. technology is not used to undermine democracy and global stability.”

“For too long, the Chinese Communist Party has exploited weaknesses in our export control enforcement system—using shell companies and smuggling networks to divert sensitive U.S. technology, fuel the PLA’s military advancement, and extend its surveillance capabilities to further its repression,” said Congressman John Moolenaar, Chairman of the China Select Committee. That puts our national security and our leadership in artificial intelligence at risk. This bipartisan bill closes those gaps with real safeguards to keep our most advanced chips out of the wrong hands. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and we’re committed to getting this legislation across the finish line and signed into law.”

“This bipartisan legislation will help ensure our most advanced technologies don’t end up in the wrong hands,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member of the China Select Committee. “I’m proud to join my colleagues, including Congressman Foster—whose deep expertise and leadership on science and national security issues continue to strengthen our country—in introducing this commonsense measure.”

The bill would require:

  • Location Verification: High-end AI chips must have the ability to identify their location before they are exported.
  • Mandatory Reporting: Companies exporting these products must report any credible information about the diversion of the product, including if the location has changed.
  • Additional Technical Requirements: Requires the Secretary of Commerce to assess second-level security mechanisms to prevent misuse or diversion of these chips.
  • Enforcement: Provides the Secretary of Commerce enforcement capabilities to verify that the exported chips have not been diverted.

This issue was highlighted in the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party’s recent report on DeepSeek.

The Chip Security Act legislative text is available here. Companion legislation to the Chip Security Act has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR).

Huizenga Announces Federal Affordable Housing Funding for Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Portage Through HUD

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

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga announced that communities across Southwest Michigan will receive federal funding from the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations legislation.  Specifically, the communities of Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Portage will receive federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).  CDBG provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by improving housing and providing a better living environment. Additionally, CDBG expands economic opportunity, principally for low- and moderate-income residents.

Furthermore, the communities of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo will receive federal funding through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program provides formula grants to states and localities that communities use – often in partnership with local nonprofit groups – to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people. HOME is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households.

“I am glad to see the Trump Administration prioritize the communities of Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Portage,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “This funding will improve housing affordability as well as increase economic opportunity for lower and moderate-income families across Southwest Michigan.”

CDBG Funding Allocations

Battle Creek              $1,205,390   

Benton Harbor          $382,893

Holland                      $333,432

Kalamazoo                $1,583,632   

Portage                      $209,148

HOME Funding Allocations

Battle Creek              $254,254

Kalamazoo                $456,817

The State of Michigan also received a direct allocation totaling $34,090,474 for CBDG and $16,080,261 for HOME. This funding is on top of the funding distributed to municipalities across Michigan.

Here is the full list of Michigan communities who recently received funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development:

Battle Creek, Bay, Benton Harbor, Canton Twp, Clinton Twp, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, East Lansing, Farmington Hills, Flint, Genesee County, Grand Rapids, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent County, Lansing, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Macomb County, Midland, Monroe, Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, Niles, Norton Shores, Oakland County, Pontiac, Port Huron, Portage, Redford, Roseville, Royal Oak, Saginaw, Southfield, St Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, Taylor, Traverse City, Warren, Washtenaw County, Waterford Township, Wayne County, Westland, and Wyoming.

LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON POLICE WEEK

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

Newhouse Statement on House Agriculture Committee Advancing Reconciliation Legislation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse Statement on House Agriculture Committee Advancing Reconciliation Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after voting to advance the House Agriculture Committee’s portion of the One, Big, Beautiful bill with a 29-25 vote. 

“My colleagues and I on the House Agriculture Committee have delivered common-sense reforms to SNAP and critical pieces of the Farm Bill in this legislation,” said Rep. Newhouse. “When enacted, our portion of the reconciliation package will rein in out-of-control spending and make unprecedented strides in reducing the deficit. Expanding our foreign market access programs has been a top priority of mine, and I am proud that our bill delivers farmers and ranchers the important resources needed to compete in global markets. I thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership as we continue to work hard for the American agriculture industry.” 

This Friday, May 16, the House Budget Committee is scheduled hold a markup of the full reconciliation package with the Agriculture Committee’s legislation included. 

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Newhouse, Republican Colleagues Issue Joint Statement on Clean Energy Tax Credits

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

Headline: Newhouse, Republican Colleagues Issue Joint Statement on Clean Energy Tax Credits

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) joined Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Mark Amodei (NV-02), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Dave Joyce (OH-14), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Young Kim (CA-40), Don Bacon (NE-02), and David Valadao (CA-22) in issuing a joint statement regarding the clean energy tax provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

“We commend the Ways and Means Committee for including reasonable phase-out schedules for certain clean energy tax credits. While many of these provisions reflect a commitment to American energy dominance through an all-of-the-above energy strategy, we must ensure certainty for current and future energy investments to meet the nation’s growing power demand and protect our constituents from higher energy costs. 

To fully realize the intent of these phase-out schedules, we ask House leadership to consider three thoughtful changes to the energy tax credits section. 

First, the Foreign Entity of Concern provisions are overly prescriptive and risk undermining U.S. competitiveness—particularly against China—by restricting domestic energy production. These provisions should be revised to allow companies additional time to reorganize their supply chains, ensuring a strategic and successful transition.  

Second, the current “placed in service” standard does not align with the Committee’s thoughtful phase-out schedule. Replacing it with a “start construction” standard is essential to supporting the energy development needed to meet the growing power demand and protect thousands of high-quality American jobs in communities across the country.  

Finally, the transferability of energy tax credits should remain available throughout the entire phase-out period established by the Committee, providing businesses with the flexibility necessary to make long-term investments in American energy. 

We appreciate the Ways and Means Committee putting America first by investing in American energy dominance, but the last thing any of us want is to provoke an energy crisis or cause higher energy bills for working families. We urge the Committee to consider these important changes in this critical part of our One Big Beautiful Bill.” 

This was first reported today as an exclusive by POLITICO.  

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