Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)
HALES CORNERS, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Tom Tiffany (WI-07), introduced theFair Air Standards Actaddressing Southeastern Wisconsin’s classification as an Ozone Nonattainment Area.
Reps. Steil, Grothman, Tiffany at today’s press conference
“Families in Wisconsin shouldn’t be paying for pollution originating from outside the state, in places like Chicago,” said Congressman Steil. “The Fair Air Standards Act ensures that Wisconsin’s non-attainment status is tied to activity originating in our state not those in other areas. Our bill reduces burdens for families, employers, and workers across Southeast Wisconsin while holding out-of-state polluters responsible for their actions.”
Reps. Steil and Tiffany discussing emissions testing in Hales Corners with shop manager
“Wisconsin communities should not be financially punished for pollution they did not create,” said Congressman Fitzgerald. “The Fair Air Standards Act gives states a fair chance to prove when air quality problems are caused by emissions from outside their borders and ensures EPA bases its decisions on facts. This legislation will restore fairness for our region and help us move forward without unnecessary federal barriers.”
“This is a topic we’ve been working on for 25 years, as the poorly drafted Clean Air Act has punished industries in Wisconsin, making them less competitive, especially compared to other states and factories around the world,” said Congressman Grothman. “I’m proud to be championing this bill alongside Congressman Steil to restore the ozone attainment designation that Wisconsin rightfully deserves.”
“Because of outdated federal rules, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin drivers in seven counties are forced to complete emissions tests every two years just to renew their registration. Wisconsin families should not be punished with costly and time-consuming mandates because of pollution drifting in from Illinois and Indiana. Four decades later and with cleaner vehicles on the road, it is time to end this non-attainment zone mandate and stop burdening drivers with a system that cannot prove it works,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, Representative Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) introduced the bipartisanSafe Tracks Act, alongside Representatives Mike Lawler (NY-17), Laura Gillen (NY-04), and Michael Rulli (OH-06), to hold private railway technology companies accountable for faulty systems that put freight and passengers at risk of accidents or cyberattacks. The legislation would grant the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) authority to conduct oversight of rail dispatching systems and to hold vendors accountable for their products’ safety and reliability.
“Train dispatchers perform a critical role in coordinating rail traffic and ensuring operational safety on track,” said Rep. García. “That’s especially important in Chicago, the nation’s busiest freight hub, handling nearly 500 freight trains and 800 passenger and commuter trains every day. The bipartisanSafe Tracks Act will grant the Federal Railroad Administration the authority to conduct needed oversight of rail dispatching systems and ensure vendors are held accountable for the safety and reliability of the products they provide.”
“Our hardworking train dispatchers rely on technology to keep trains moving safely and efficiently,” said Rep. Gillen. “Unfortunately, dispatchers are often forced to work quickly and creatively to avoid disaster due to errors in these unregulated products. The bipartisanSafe Tracks Act will address this dangerous issue by allowing the Federal Railroad Administration to oversee this software and hold vendors accountable for their products’ safety and reliability. I’m proud to introduce this important legislation to guarantee the safety of rail passengers and our national security.”
“Safe, reliable rail service is essential to our economy, but outdated oversight of dispatching technology is putting workers, passengers, and supply chains at risk. This bipartisan legislation gives the Federal Railroad Administration the authority to hold vendors accountable and ensure these systems meet strong safety standards, while addressing growing cybersecurity threats,” said Rep. Lawler.
“Rail safety must remain a top priority for Congress. This bill takes a targeted, common-sense approach to ensure that centralized train-dispatching systems and traffic control boards operate under the same high safety standards as the rest of our rail network. Protecting lives and keeping freight moving safely is essential for American families and commerce,” said Rep. Rulli.
Railroads use computer-based dispatch systems from vendors to move and coordinate train traffic and to provide protection to employees working on tracks. New dispatching systems and updates to existing software are currently implemented without any oversight, testing, or regulation by the FRA.
Moreover, when software problems are identified, including problems critical to the safe movement of trains, the vendors who build the systems are often slow to offer fixes. This forces the train dispatchers responsible for operating these systems to troubleshoot the technology under live conditions and use workarounds until safety defects are corrected.
On multiple occasions in recent years, system defects, errors, and failures have put freight and passengers in extremely dangerous situations. Besides system errors, the lack of oversight also leaves America’s rail system vulnerable to cyberattacks. The FRA recentlyissued a notice that the US railroad network is likely at risk from Iranian state-sponsored cyber actors. Without the relevant authorities, the FRA may be unable to protect our rail supply chain from these malicious actors.
“This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward improving the reliability, accountability, and oversight of train dispatching systems. Our members work tirelessly every day to help ensure trains move safely and efficiently across the country. They deserve systems that support that mission, and the public deserves confidence that these critical technologies meet appropriate safety standards. I thank the members who introduced this bill and look forward to working with them to advance this important proposal,” said Ed Dowell, President of the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA).
“Train dispatchers work tirelessly to ensure the safe and timely movement of passengers and cargo, and the dispatching software systems they rely on must support this mission rather than undermine it. As America’s largest transportation labor federation, we support this bipartisan legislation that will provide necessary oversight and enforceable standards for train dispatching systems and software. Communities and workers are at risk when these safety-critical dispatcher software systems lack minimum safety standards,”said Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD).
“Requiring federal oversight of rail dispatching systems is a critical step for keeping passengers and railroad workers safe,”said John Feltz, Transport Workers Union (TWU) Railroad Division Director. “The TWU strongly supports this legislation and urges its swift passage. System defects, errors, and cyberattacks are all threats that the FRA should have the authority to identify, fix, and protect.”
“Systems that interact with vital signal systems, such as back office dispatching systems, should be covered under the current signal regulations; not following this logic presents a real safety issue,” said Mike Baldwin, President of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS).
“Our members rely on our dispatchers and their systems every day to safely move trains and protect track workers. When these dispatchers are stretched too thin or are given new, unfamiliar programs to run in the name of profits and automation, it’s our conductors and engineers who are left managing the risk in real time. The Safe Tracks Act is a commonsense step to ensure these technologies are properly tested, regulated, and held to the highest safety standards before they are implemented on our nation’s rail networks. SMART-TD thanks Representatives Laura Gillen, Mike Lawler, Mike Rulli, and Chuy García for recognizing that America’s railroaders are not lab rats. What we do is not a game, and our crews cannot be used as crash test dummies while our Dispatchers are distracted by playing a game of Whack-O-Mole, finding fixes to the problems brought by the “new and improved” systems put in place prematurely. The stakes are too high. The Safe Tracks Act recognizes this as a fact and offers our railroaders the protections we deserve,” said Jared Cassity, National Safety and Legislative Director, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD).
“Train dispatchers play an important role keeping the public and our members safe,” said Matt Hollis, National President, Transportation Communications Union (TCU).“It’s critical that the software train dispatchers rely on is safe and effective. We are proud to endorse the bipartisan Safe Tracks Act to make sure the government has the ability to keep dispatching systems for railroads and transit systems around the country safe.”
The legislation is endorsed by: American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA), Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS), Transportation Workers Union (TWU), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Mechanical Division (SMART-MD), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers- Transportation Division (SMART-TD), Transportation Communications Union (TCU), National Conference of Fireman and Oilers (NCFO, SEIU), Brotherhood of Maintenance Way Employees Division (BMWED), and the International Association of Machinists (IAM).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)
WASHINGTON, D.C. –In response toTrump and Congressional Republicans’ planto give another multi-billion dollar blank check to ICE, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:
“Two weeks ago, Trump said we don’t have enough money for Medicare, Medicaid, and childcare. This week, Republicans are proposing billions more for foreign wars and ICE.
“This budget does nothing to address the high costs squeezing hardworking Michigan families. Instead, it writes another blank check to an agency that is out of control and needs to be reined in.
“Republicans already gave ICE $75 billion last year, and we saw what happened: ICE agents terrorized our communities and two Americans were killed. Trump’s ICE does not need more taxpayer dollars. That’s why I introduced legislation to redirect ICE’s slush fund to local law enforcement. Michiganders deserve better.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09) re-introduced the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act, which would provide an incentive for all states to extend child welfare support and services for foster youth through age 21.
Over 20,000 young people age out of foster care each year, often without a supportive adult presence in their life. Research shows that extending support into the first few years of adulthood can make a clear, positive difference in the lives of youth in care. This includes: increasing the likelihood of youth completing high school, enrolling in college, and finding employment, increasing the likelihood that youth feel they have enough people to turn to for support and guidance, and decreasing that odds that youth experience food insecurity, homelessness, or incarceration.
In recognition of this, over 36 states, the District of Columbia, and nine Tribes have extended Title IV-E foster care for youth beyond age 18 following Congress passing the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act in 2008, which gave states the option to do so. By providing an incentive for additional states to extend care, the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act would help more child welfare agencies prevent the foster youth in their care from aging out of the system alone and unsupported on their 18th birthday.
“Too many young people across the country lose crucial foster care supports the moment they turn 18. But in California, one of the first states to extend foster care through age 21, we have seen the positive impact additional support through the transition into adulthood has on physical and mental health, economic success, and overall satisfaction with life,” said Rep. Chu. “I’m proud to author this bipartisan bill with Rep. Houchin to help more states support young adults from 18 to 21 with the services they need to thrive as they step into adulthood.”
“As someone who dedicated the first part of my career to child services, I am thrilled to co-lead the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through 21 Act alongside Rep. Chu. Our goal is to provide vital support and services to young adults navigating the challenges of aging out of foster care,” said Rep. Houchin. “I have witnessed the positive impact of such programs firsthand. By extending care through age 21, we ensure that these individuals have the resources and essential opportunities for a successful transition into adulthood.”
The Increasing Access to Foster Care Through 21 Act would:
Provide a financial incentive to states to take up the option to extend care by removing Title IV-E income eligibility requirements for youth ages 18-21, which currently tie a young person’s eligibility for services to the income of their often-estranged parents or legal guardians, thereby ensuring states receive the federal match for their costs.
Provide that by opting to extend care through age 21, youth who voluntarily leave care at 18 would have the ability to re-enter care should they need to.
Ensure categorical eligibility for extended care for youth ages 18 through 21.
Request the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to issue guidance in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL) on how case workers can better connect foster youth with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) youth job programs.
“Journey to Success applauds Reps. Chu and Houchin for their bipartisan legislation to remove burdensome and outdated barriers to extended foster care,” said Hope Cooper, Journey to Success campaign manager. “Extended foster care improves young adult outcomes in employment, education, and housing stability—and even a small dose can make a meaningful difference. By making it easier for states to extend care through age 21 and removing unnecessary eligibility hurdles, this bill will help more young people access the stability and support they need to thrive. On behalf of the youth we serve, we’re grateful to Reps. Chu and Houchin for their leadership in expanding opportunity and helping pave the way to bright futures that all young people deserve.”
“The Child Welfare League of America is pleased to endorse the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through 21 Act,” said Linda Spears, President and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America. “Federal data tells us that compared to youth that leave foster care at age 18, youth who remain in care longer have better outcomes across multiple measures. This legislation builds on the advances in supports and service provision made by states that currently extend foster care beyond age 18 and is a positive step toward ensuring that all young people in foster care have the option to remain in care until age 21, regardless of where they live. CWLA applauds Representatives Chu and Houchin for their commitment to improving support for older youth with child welfare system involvement.”
“The Increasing Access to Foster Care through Age 21 marks a significant milestone in how our country supports young people transitioning from foster care to adulthood. This legislation challenges states not only to provide extended foster care, but to increase quality, accessibility and long-term financial sustainability of these services. Research-backed, high-quality extended foster care available in every state will help ensure better outcomes for young adults. Equally important, this bill acknowledges that the voices and lived experience of young people must be centered as they navigate their transition to independence. Youth Villages commends Representatives Chu and Houchin for advancing a thoughtful, step-by-step approach that provides states with a clear framework to strengthen their systems to provide high-quality extended foster care program to every young adult,” said Patrick Lawler, CEO, Youth Villages
“For years, young people with foster care experience have told us exactly what they need—and one of the clearest messages is that 18 is too soon to be on your own. Representatives Chu and Houchin leading this bill is a direct response to that call. Every young person, in every state, deserves the time and support to grow into adulthood feeling connected and stable—and by incentivizing states to extend care through 21, this legislation helps make that a reality. FosterClub is proud to stand behind it,” saidCeleste Bodner, Executive Director of FosterClub, the national network for youth in foster care.
“Extending the critical supports of foster care until age 21 can make a significant difference in the outcomes for the 20,000 youth who age out of care each year,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, president of the National Association of County Human Services Administrators (NACHSA). “NACHSA applauds Representative Chu and Representative Houchin for their continued, bipartisan efforts to provide additional federal funding for county child welfare agencies so we can better prepare this important population for the transition to adulthood. We urge Congress to quickly pass the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act.”
“As an early-adopter of extending foster care benefits to age 21, California county child welfare agencies have seen first-hand the significant benefits and improved outcomes for our transition-aged foster youth across many aspects of their lives, from improved earnings and educational attainment, to reduced homelessness and incarceration,” said Carlos Marquez III, Executive Director of the County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA). “CWDA applauds the reintroduction of the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act to provide additional federal resources to support these efforts.”
“At SchoolHouse Connection, we see every day how homelessness after foster care and lack of supportive relationships can derail education and opportunity. We strongly support policies that keep young people connected to the support they need to succeed. We are grateful to Representatives Chu and Houchin for introducing this essential legislation and for their leadership on behalf of young people. This bill reflects what research and lived experience tell us: extending care and allowing re-entry can improve education, housing, economic mobility, and long-term well-being,” said Barbara Duffield, Executive Director, SchoolHouse Connection.
“We envision a world where every young person is well-supported in their community and has the resources they need to thrive. This legislation is a major step toward that goal,” said Allison Green, Chief Legal Officer of the National Association of Counsel for Children. “By incentivizing states to give young people the option to remain in care through age 21, youth will be more likely to be safe, housed, educated, and employed—in short, the foundation necessary to transition to adulthood.”
The bill is endorsed by Journey to Success, Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), Youth Villages, FosterClub, National Association of County Human Services Administrators (NACHSA), National Association of Counties (NACo), County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA), California State Association of Counties (CSAC), SchoolHouse Connection, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Youth Law Center, Foster Success, Children’s Advocacy Institute, National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC), National Center on Adoption and Permanency (NCAP).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
U.S. Department of Transportation funding for the MidSouth Development District
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the MidSouth Development District will receive a $19,662,581 Port Infrastructure Development grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to redevelop an existing but dormant grain facility at the International Port of Memphis into an active cementitious material terminal.
The project will include construction of a pneumatic barge unloading system, a storage facility, and a system for transferring material to trucks.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
“This major investment in redeveloping part of our port facilities will result in both construction and permanent jobs and boost our local economy.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)
Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement:
“This funding is fantastic news for Northwest Washington ports,” said Rep. Larsen. “The Port of Everett and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community will put these dollars to good use constructing and modernizing piers for commercial fishing and cargo operations. These ports are cornerstones of the local economy and these funds will allow them to expand their regional and global reach. I am glad to have been able to play a role in advocating for these funds, and I will keep working to bring home federal dollars to upgrade port infrastructure and create jobs in Northwest Washington.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that two projects in the Second District will receive grants under the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The Maritime Administration (MARAD) administers PIDP grants to projects that improve the safety, efficiency or reliability of moving goods in and out of ports.
The Port of Everett was awarded $11.25 million to support the modernization of Pier 3 to include selective demolition, pile installation, resurfacing, filling and paving surfaces and procurement and installation. Pier 3 was constructed in 1973 and is the Port of Everett’s largest pier. This project will repair damage from chemical deterioration and replace aging infrastructure. The upgrades will also diversify the cargo that can be handled at Pier 3 and improve the safety of this valuable part of supply chain infrastructure for maritime users and port operations.
“The Port Infrastructure Development Program is crucial to help public ports make critical investments in the region’s economy,” said Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber. “This investment in our international terminal will strengthen infrastructure, creating and preserving jobs here and throughout Snohomish County. The Port of Everett is grateful for the investment by the U.S. Department of Transportation and for Congressman Larsen’s support of an infrastructure project that will help strengthen the economy of Washington state.”
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community was awarded $10.8 million for the construction of a new commercial pier, covered storage, renovation of three moorage piers and the design of a new fish processing plant. Currently, the Port of Swinomish lacks a location to consolidate their fishing fleet and store fishing equipment. The project previously received an $11 million PIDP grant in Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) for the first phase of this project to design and develop port facilities. This new PIDP award will go towards the construction of the facilities in the second phase of the Port of Swinomish project.
“We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Larsen for supporting this grant,” said Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Chairman Steve Edwards. “The commercial dock funded by this award allows us to continue to exercise our treaty fishing rights and is an important next step in the development of the Port of Swinomish.”
Larsen Brings Home Millions for Northwest Washington Infrastructure Projects
Larsen has been a steadfast advocate for federal funding to support Northwest Washington’s port infrastructure. In 2024, he celebrated the release of $18.3 million in PIDP grants for projects in the Second District funded by the BIL. Those grants included awarding the Port of Anacortes a $7.4 million grant to help demolish and replace the 47-year-old commercial T-Dock, and awarding Lummi Nation more than $10.9 million to demolish and replace a pier at Fisherman’s Cove Marina Dock at Gooseberry Point Waterfront. Since 2021, the BIL has invested hundreds of millions into transportation projects located in the Second District.
Larsen has secured more than $75 million for 55 projects in Northwest Washington state through earmarks in annual spending bills. In spending bills for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), Rep. Larsen secured over $13.9 million for 15 projects, including $1.2 million to reconstruct the Port of Edmonds’ North Portwalk and seawall and $250,000 to replace the Port of Everett’s South Marina Terminal. Rep. Larsen requested $77 million for 20 local projects in Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) spending bills.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on Fox News Sunday, where he made clear that political violence is never acceptable, and that Democrats and Republicans must come together in a bipartisan way to lower the high cost of living and fix our broken immigration system.
SHANNON BREAM: Joining me now, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Good to have you back on Fox News Sunday this morning, sir.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning.
SHANNON BREAM: Ok, so you said last night, in the wake of this, you said, ‘it’s time to end the political violence.’ How do we do that, sir?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, first of all, I’m thankful for the bravery and the heroism of the Secret Service and the men and women of law enforcement. I’m grateful that everyone, from the President and First Lady on down are safe, who attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and certainly thankful that this brave Secret Service agent, who was shot, has been released from the hospital and is on his way to a full and complete recovery. Listen, I think that here in America, we can have strong disagreements, but it’s important for us to agree to strongly disagree without being disagreeable with each other. And it is certainly the case that violence is never the answer, whether it’s targeted at the right, the left or the center. We have issues that we have to work out amongst each other, that’s embedded in the First Amendment that was being celebrated last night. But what is also embedded in the First Amendment is the right to peacefully protest and to petition the government peacefully.
SHANNON BREAM: Yeah, and we had protesters last night outside the dinners as we do every year. And you’re right, I mean, especially here in D.C., we see a regular protest. We celebrate the First Amendment, and that was what so much of last night was about. But there are those out there, and our polling continues to show, especially younger voters and younger people think that political violence is justified against your opponents. How do we speak into that? How do change those minds? That’s the next generation who increasingly says it’s fine to use that against your opponents.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I think it’s going to be important for all of us, whether that’s the President, the Cabinet, Members of Congress, people in the Senate, Governors, state and local elected officials all across the country, to do the best that we can to set the most appropriate example. Again, to disagree with each other strongly when necessary, to battle it out in the public sphere of ideas, but to make sure that we respect the opposition in terms of those disagreements that are anchored in principle and also to make clear that everybody, whatever your ideological perspective is, we all love America and we all want to make sure that this country is the best that it can possibly be, particularly as we approach the 250th birthday on July 4th and work hard together to make the next 250 years even better than the first.
SHANNON BREAM: Yeah, we do have some work to do. And you have work to do on the Hill as there’s still a continuing battle over a number of big issues. But continuing with DHS funding, we understand that, in a matter of days probably, the paychecks will run out for Secret Service agents like the one who was injured last night. Thankfully, that protective vest did its job. But you might have heard the Attorney General, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche earlier say, it’s time to stop using these kinds of employees, DHS employees, as pawns. So what do you make of his characterization of that issue as we still ask these people to show up for work, but they may soon be doing it, life or death situations, without a paycheck?
LEADER JEFFRIES:Well, we have to make sure that every single Secret Service agent continues to get paid, every single TSA agent, the Coast Guard and FEMA, as well as the hardworking men and women of the Department of Homeland Security. Actually, there’s been a bipartisan bill sent over by the Senate, not once, but twice, that has been pending before the House of Representatives now for weeks. Every single Senate Republican, every single Senate Democrat, the President himself as well as House Democrats have all expressed support for that bipartisan bill that will fund the Department of Homeland Security, including the Secret Service, with the exception of ICE and the mass deportation machine because that issue needs to be worked out separately. And for the life of me I’m not sure why that bill hasn’t been brought to the Floor of the House of Representatives. When we return tomorrow, it should be taken up immediately and it will pass on a strongly bipartisan basis, so we can make sure that the Secret Service gets paid.
SHANNON BREAM: Well, I’ve talked to some folks in GOP House leadership who think that there will be more motivation, they’re hoping at least on a bipartisan basis, to do full funding. It doesn’t sound like that’s an idea that you’re open to right now, but we’ll track that this week as you all get back here and get back to work. I want to talk about this. As that is playing out, your counterpart over on the Senate side, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate Floor this week, he said that nobody respects ICE or the Border Patrol. And the President actually asked for an apology to that. He says, ‘It’s one of the most egregious, incorrect, unpatriotic and dangerous statements I have ever heard from a professional politician. He must immediately apologize to these great patriots. And I mean now.’ Do you think there is an apology owed to Border Patrol and ICE?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I didn’t track that statement on the [Senate] Floor. I know Chuck Schumer is an incredibly patriotic individual. He cares about this country. All of us, with respect to whatever disagreements that we may be having relative to spending billions of dollars to fund ICE, which in some instances has been used to brutalize or kill American citizens like Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. Certainly, I have a problem with that aspect of what has happened. But taking a step back, we want strong border security, we want to make sure that immigration enforcement in this country is fair, just and humane and is actually targeting for deportation violent felons who are here illegally as opposed to law-abiding immigrant families or, God forbid, American citizens as we’ve seen in many different instances. But perhaps most importantly, we have a broken immigration system, and we actually should fix it, and fix it in a comprehensive and in a bipartisan way, while we also deal with some of the other challenges that the American people face, such as the high cost of living. Let’s come together as Democrats and Republicans to actually make life more affordable for the American people.
SHANNON BREAM: Well, one of the other priorities, too, and I wish we had more time, but given the breaking news, we’re kind of limited. I’d love to talk with you more about these redistricting fights, that Virginia referendum goes to its State Supreme Court tomorrow, and many others. But obviously, Democrats are feeling bullish on flipping the House. And this week, Axios reported that there’s a push for day one impeachment: ‘Democrats pushing their colleagues to begin building the case against President Trump now in anticipation of a day one impeachment vote if they retake the House.’ If you become Speaker, is that your top priority?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Of course not, and I’ve made clear from the very beginning that our top priority is going to be to drive down the high cost of living. We believe in this country, you work hard, you play by the rules, you should be able to live an affordable life, a comfortable life, in fact, to live the good life. And that means a good-paying job and good housing, good healthcare, good education for your children and when it’s all said and done, a good retirement. That’s been the American dream for decades, but for far too many people, that American dream has slipped out of reach.And we should be focused on actually doing the type of things necessary to ensure that people in this country cannot simply survive, but they can thrive.
SHANNON BREAM: And that, of course, will be the heart of all of these midterm campaigns. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you for coming back. Good to see you.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee and co-author of the SHIPS for America Act, issued the following statement in response to the White House’s 90-day extension of the Jones Act waiver, allowing non-American-flagged ships to transport goods:
“President Trump’s Jones Act waiver is nothing more than a desperate attempt to clean up a crisis of his own making and is another example of him doing the exact opposite of ‘America first.’
“Let’s be clear: waiving the Jones Act will do absolutely nothing to lower gas prices. The sky-high cost of gas has almost nothing to do with domestic shipping and has everything to do with Trump’s reckless and stupid war of choice in Iran.
“An extension will only damage our maritime industrial base and weaken our national defense by creating an unequal playing field, putting international ships above American vessels. Where American ships must abide by international labor and safety standards, foreign vessels do not. This is not competition, it’s surrender.
“While I can understand why President Trump is trying to reverse his self-made economic and national security calamity after misleading the American public about the justification for, and progress of, the war in Iran, propping up foreign shipping at the expense of American industry is not the solution. Trump is now allowing China to undercut our domestic manufacturers, put Americans out of work, and make us reliant on foreign vessels.
“If we are serious about rebuilding America’s maritime strength, we shouldn’t retreat—we should rebuild, we should compete, and we should put American ships and American workers first.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced the approval of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for five additional projects in Louisiana’s 3rd District, totaling $27,421,264.33. The reimbursements to local government and non-profit entities add to the over $5 billion in previously announced recovery funds and cover damages incurred due to the impact of Hurricanes in the area.
Rep. Higgins said, “DHS Secretary Mullin is a friend, and he is working with President Trump to ensure that communities in South Louisiana are properly looked after. My office will continue to work side by side with our federal partners to ensure necessary resources are delivered.”
Much of our official Congressional work to advance recovery projects occurs behind the scenes. Funding finalization and the associated formal announcement are the result of sustained efforts over many months with FEMA and state and local stakeholders. All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.
Below is a list of projects in Louisiana’s Third Congressional District for which FEMA grants were recently approved.
$1,853,281.43 for The Society of the Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of Lake Charles for management costs related to Hurricane Laura.
$1,680,999.33 for Greater St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church for repairs to its south campus building due to damages inflicted by Hurricane Laura.
$8,739,019.93 for Lafourche Parish School Board for permanent repairs to South Lafourche High School due to damages inflicted by Hurricane Ida.
$10,139,852.34 for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for repairs to Vandebilt Catholic High School due to damages inflicted by Hurricane Ida.
$5,008,111.30 for Terrebonne Parish for repairs to public buildings and infrastructure due to damages inflicted by Hurricane Ida.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA), former heads of the Bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Task Force, introduced The American Leadership in AI Act, which brings together over 20 bipartisan legislative proposals that seek to act on many of the recommendations from the report issued last Congress by the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence.
This legislation will strengthen U.S. leadership in AI by improving AI standards and evaluation, expanding research infrastructure and R&D, modernizing federal AI adoption and risk management, supporting workers and small businesses, addressing AI-enabled crimes, and expanding AI education and workforce opportunities.
“Last Congress, the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence brought together 24 Members of Congress from across 20 House committees to examine a wide range of policy challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence,” Reps. Lieu and Obernolte said. “The Task Force conducted numerous stakeholder discussions and roundtables, engaging with more than 100 experts from industry, academia, government, and civil society to develop a broad set of recommendations. As the Task Force’s Republican and Democratic leaders, we are pleased to introduce a legislative package grounded in that work. The American Leadership in AI Act builds on the strong bipartisan foundation already laid by our colleagues, incorporating and advancing bipartisan legislation previously introduced by Members across the House. By unifying these efforts, this package reflects the thoughtful, consensus-driven work already underway and translates it into a cohesive strategy to strengthen U.S. leadership in AI. At a time of deep political division, this package demonstrates that serious, forward-looking policymaking is still possible. We look forward to continuing to work with our former Task Force colleagues and others to advance these bipartisan solutions.”
The American Leadership in AI Act brings together more than 20 bipartisan proposals to implement key recommendations from the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence report issued last Congress. The bill is designed to strengthen U.S. leadership in AI while promoting responsible innovation and safeguarding the public.
Key Objectives
Strengthen our capacity to measure and evaluate AI
Advances voluntary standards, testing frameworks, and evaluation tools
Increases U.S. leadership in international standards-setting to help shape global AI standards and specifications
Directs the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) to identify and promote best practices for transparency, safety, security, and performance
Build research infrastructure and drive innovation
Expands access to shared research resources
Supports collaboration across academia, industry, and government
Promotes ambitious, mission-driven research through competitive initiatives across critical sectors
Modernize federal AI governance, procurement, and security
Expand AI education and protect the workforce
Safeguard Americans and deter harmful deepfakes
Strengthens safeguards to deter AI-enabled crime
Enhances legal remedies to deepfake victims and increases penalties for AI-enabled fraud and impersonation
Supports whistleblowers who expose AI-related risks and misconduct
More on the 118th Congress’s AI Task Force
In February 2024, Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffriesestablisheda bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to explore how Congress can ensure America continues to lead the world in AI innovation while considering guardrails that may be appropriate to safeguard the nation against current and emerging threats.
Membership:
Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36),Co-Chair Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-16) Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09) Rep. Bill Foster (IL-11) Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06) Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08) Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) Rep. Valerie Foushee (NC-04) Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)
Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23),Chair Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-48) Rep. French Hill (AR-02) Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27) Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02) Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06) Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03) Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-45) Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15) Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-06)