MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON– Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge (CAC), a nationwide app development competition for middle and high school students.

The CAC accepts apps written in any programming language and designed for any platform, including desktop/PC, web, mobile, raspberry Pi, and more. The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience.

The Challenge’s portal is now open. Students can register and submit their applications until October 30, 2025. 

“I look forward to seeing students’ apps from across Pennsylvania’s 11^th Congressional District. Having visited local schools in York and Lancaster County, I am certain that students will create truly innovative and creative applications. I encourage students to participate in the Congressional App Challenge to apply their classroom lessons to this unique STEM-based challenge,” said Rep. Smucker. 

Students of all skill levels are strongly encouraged to participate. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of local judges, and winners will be honored by their Member of Congress. Their apps are eligible to be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol building, on house.gov and on the Congressional App Challenge website.

This is the third year that Congressman Smucker’s office will be participating in the Congressional App Challenge. The CAC was created to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM and computer science. With America’s global competitiveness increasingly tied to technological innovation, the CAC aims to foster future leaders by equipping them with valuable digital skills. 

For further information about the Congressional App Challenge, please visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON—Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Sharice Davids (KS-03) have introduced the Student Loan Tax Elimination Act. The legislation would eliminate a hidden tax on federal student loans, which adds unnecessary debt to student loan borrowers.  

“Students and parents should fully understand the terms and costs associated with borrowing for their education. Unfortunately, federal loan programs have hidden fees which negatively impact students. Loan origination fees are a hidden tax which ultimately inflate costs for students. Eliminating this fee would be a step in the direction of lowering the cost of higher education for students across the nation.” said Representative Smucker (PA-11).

“Students working hard to invest in their future through education shouldn’t be weighed down by hidden administrative fees. With the rising cost of higher education already making it harder for graduates to buy a home, launch a business, or contribute fully to our economy, this bill takes a meaningful step toward reducing that burden. By eliminating certain unnecessary and costly fees, we’re helping ensure that a college degree leads to opportunity — not obstacles.” – Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03)

Background:

As a result of legislation passed in 2010, all federal student loans issued through the U.S. Department of Education were taken out of the hands of private lenders and issued directly by the Department. Despite the elimination of private lenders in the federal loan process, students are still being charged administration fees on student loans. This hidden tax adds billions of dollars to student debt every year.

The Student Loan Tax Elimination Act would eliminate origination fees for federal student loans, which cost nearly $6.5 billion over a four year period, according to a report from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON – Representatives Lloyd Smucker and Terri Sewell and U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Thom Tillis have reintroduced the Retirement Savings for Americans Act (RSAA), legislation to help low- and middle-income Americans build wealth and save for retirement. The bill would establish a new program that gives eligible workers access to portable, tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts. If passed, the RSAA would allow the federal government to match contributions for low- and middle-income workers, with the match beginning to phase out at median income. 

“Too many hard-working Americans are not able to prepare financially for retirement. Over half of working employees lack access to the tax-advantaged retirement benefits that many higher-income earners take advantage of to save. Additionally, as the workforce continues to innovate and more Americans become categorized as “gig workers,” the reliance on traditional employer-sponsored plans causes too many workers to slip through the cracks. Hard-working Americans deserve a modern pathway to find financial security in their retirement. I am proud to join in this bipartisan and bicameral effort to advance the Retirement Savings for Americans Act, to help millions of Americans save for their retirements. I will continue to advocate for policies which help hard workers live their American Dream, including a well-earned and financially stable retirement,” said Smucker. 

“Every Alabamian and every American should be able to retire with dignity after a lifetime of work,” said Sewell. “Democrats and Republicans alike recognize the urgent need for Congress to address the gaps in our retirement system and make it easier for low- and middle-income workers to save for retirement. I am proud to once again work with my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance the Retirement Savings for Americans Act which would level the playing field for working families and build a stronger economy for all Americans.”

“Roughly 50 million Americans lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, which represents a significant roadblock to achieving financial security for their retirement,” said Tillis. “The Retirement Savings for Americans Act tackles this real problem by establishing a pathway for savings for Americans lacking retirement options.”

“Americans who work hard their entire lives deserve to retire with dignity,” said Hickenlooper. “This bill helps low-income workers enjoy a secure retirement and fulfill their American dream.’’

A study by the National Council on Aging found that 80% of aging Americans are struggling financially or are at risk of financial insecurity, and therefore, not prepared to retire. In a new ranking of the world’s retirement systems, the U.S. scored a C+, mainly because the current system works well for white collar workers but fails gig workers and blue collar workers. If trends continue, inadequate retirement savings will cost state and federal governments a combined $1.3 trillion in increased spending by 2040. 

A recent report from the RAND Corporation indicates that over 40 million Americans, or 26 percent of the nation’s workforce who lack access to retirement plans, would receive matching federal benefits under the RSAA. Additionally, the RAND study reports that the RSAA could pay for itself in approximately thirty years by reducing reliance on other federal programs. 

The RSAA enjoys broad support. View a full list of endorsements of the legislation HERE. 

“The Retirement Savings for Americans Act would create a healthier retirement system, a more financially secure workforce, and a stronger economy for all Americans,” said John Lettieri, President and CEO, Economic Innovation Group. “By ensuring that all workers — regardless of their employer or income — have the opportunity and incentives to build long-term financial security, the RSAA would boost the wealth of the working class and significantly reduce the strain on the social safety net over time. EIG is proud to have worked closely with Senators Hickenlooper and Tillis and Representatives Smucker and Sewell on this important legislation, and we applaud them for their bipartisan leadership on behalf of American workers.” 

“Nearly 1 out of 4 Americans has no retirement savings, and more than half of all Americans report they are concerned they will not achieve financial security in retirement. We know that Americans are much more likely to save when they have access to retirement savings options at work. Today nearly half of all private-sector employees do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement savings program. The Retirement Savings for Americans Act would help more families across the country save for retirement.” – Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, AARP 

“Creating this kind of program meets an obligation we all share to help every working American build financial security and well-being in retirement. I also know it will offset future support we surely would have to provide if we don’t help more people begin to build that security today. And in true American spirit, it isn’t a giveaway, but an incentive for working individuals to begin helping themselves and their families.” – Charles R. Schwab, Founder and Chairman, Charles Schwab Corporation. Read Mr. Schwab’s full statement.  

“With more Americans choosing new ways to work than ever before, we’re proud to support this bipartisan effort to enable more workers in the modern economy to access the kinds of benefits that have long been out of reach for all but full-time employees. This is an important step toward empowering workers like Dashers to choose the independence and flexibility that dashing gives them, while still having access to important benefits. The Retirement Savings for Americans Act makes meaningful progress toward expanding access for retirement savings across the country–regardless of how someone chooses to work. We applaud Senators Hickenlooper and Tillis and Representatives Sewell and Smucker for working across the aisle to address such an important issue for Dashers and other Americans who are choosing new and different ways to work.” – Max Rettig, Vice President of Public Policy, DoorDash 

“Uber supports forward-looking legislation like the Retirement Savings for Americans Act to improve independent work across the nation. The bill represents a novel, thoughtful approach to bridging gaps in the existing retirement savings framework. We commend the Congressional sponsors for their ongoing efforts to advance this legislation.” – Javi Correoso, Head of Federal Affairs, Uber

The Retirement Savings for Americans Act contains the following provisions:

• Eligibility and Auto Enrollment: Full- and part-time workers who lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan would be eligible for an account, and they would be automatically enrolled at 3% of their income. They could choose to increase or decrease their withholding, or opt out entirely at any time. Independent workers (including gig workers) would also be eligible.
• Federal Contribution: Low- and moderate-income workers would be eligible for a 1% automatic contribution (as long as they remain employed) and up to a 4% matching contribution via a refundable federal tax credit. This would begin to phase out at median income.
• Portability: Accounts would remain attached to workers throughout their lifetimes, and workers would be able to stop and start contributions at will.
• Private Assets: The accounts would be the property of the worker and the assets could be passed down to future generations to help them build wealth and financial security.
• Investment Options: Much like the current Thrift Savings Plan, participants would be given a menu of simple, low-fee investment options to choose from, including lifecycle funds tied to a worker’s estimated retirement date, or index funds made of stocks and bonds.

Full text of the bill is available HERE and a one-page explainer of the bill HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) recognized students from Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District on their acceptance to one of the U.S. Military Service Academies at 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard. All of the students were nominated by Congressman Latta and have received offers of appointment for the Class of 2029 at their respective academies. 

“It was an honor to nominate these students from Ohio’s Fifth District to attend one of our U.S. Military Service Academies,” Latta said. “I thank each and every student for stepping up to serve our country, and I know they will do well as they embark on this new journey.” 

Students honored at today’s event and their respective appointments: 

Sarah Connor, Avon, U.S. Military Academy 

Grace Anderson, Norwalk, U.S. Naval Academy Jayden Saxton, Fort Jennings, U.S. Naval Academy 

Connor Bender, Avon Lake, U.S. Naval Academy 

Garrett Cook, Norwalk, U.S. Military Academy 

John Paul Gray, Findlay, U.S. Military Academy 

Charles Knight, Republic, U.S. Military Academy 

Christian Soltis, North Ridgeville, U.S. Air Force Academy 

Not able to attend: 

William Sikora, U.S. Military Academy 

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

May 05, 2025 | Press Releases

1st Place Winner, Tammy Ha, holds her piece, “Woven Reflections”.
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) this week announced Tammy Ha, a 12th grade student at Port Charlotte High School, as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Florida’s 17th Congressional District.
“Tammy’s piece, Woven Reflections, is a remarkable display of skill, thoughtfulness, and artistic vision,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “It will be an honor to have her work represent our district in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for the next year.”
Tammy’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol alongside other winning pieces from across the country, viewed by thousands of visitors, staff, and members of Congress.
The 2025 competition saw exceptional submissions from students across the district, including Sophie Davis, a fellow 12th grade student at Port Charlotte High School, who earned second place for her piece, “The Entrance.”The Congressional Art Competition, organized by the Congressional Institute, celebrates and encourages artistic talent among high school students nationwide. Since its inception in 1982, the competition has provided a platform for over 650,000 students to showcase their creativity and passion for the arts. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The first-place winner is given the opportunity to display their artwork at the United States Capitol for one year.
Rep. Greg Steube extends his gratitude to all the students who participated in this year’s competition and applauds their dedication to the arts. Their contributions enrich the cultural landscape of Florida’s 17th Congressional District and beyond.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), wrote a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi opposing the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) decision to terminate federal grants awarded through the agency’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and urging the Administration to restore funding for critical programs supporting law enforcement and violence prevention.

OJP is the largest grant-making arm of the DOJ. The grants funded by the office have been instrumental in supporting a wide range of law enforcement and community-based initiatives across the country, including local law enforcement, prosecution, judges, forensic science, reentry, hospitals, faith-based organizations, victim services and youth groups. 

In her letter to Attorney General Bondi, Ranking Member Meng wrote, “These programs are not “wasteful” spending, as you have claimed. They play a critical role in leading violence prevention and intervention efforts; serving at-risk youth and victims of crimes, coordinating responses to rising hate crimes; and assisting individuals struggling with substance use disorders. These programs save lives.”

The grants terminated by the DOJ support at-risk youth, victims of crime, lead violence prevention efforts, coordinate responses to increases in hate crimes, and help people struggling with substance abuse. This includes the Community-Based Approaches to Prevent and Address Hate Crimes grant program, originally authored by Meng following the passage of her COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in 2021.

Meng continued, “You stated the priority of your department is “law and order in America.” But law and order cannot exist if victims of crime are unable to recover, or if law enforcement does not have the resources to more effectively fight crime and restore relationships with the community members they serve, or if non-violent offenders cannot find a pathway to reentry into society.”

Meng serves as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), which has jurisdiction over federal funding appropriated to the DOJ.

A copy of the letter can be viewed here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) announced today that they wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins praising recent state-led efforts to expand Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to include certain hot food purchases. 

Currently, SNAP contains an outdated provision that limits purchases to food that needs to be prepared at home before it is consumed or specifically cold prepared foods. However, states can individually apply for waivers from the federal government to increase the types of foods included in SNAP for beneficiaries in their states. Secretary Rollins recently supported an effort in Arkansas to include hot rotisserie chicken in the state’s SNAP.

Meng and Bennet reintroduced their bipartisan, bicameral Hot Foods Act in March, which would remove this prohibition and allow all SNAP recipients, regardless of which state they live in, to use their benefits to buy hot foods like prepared rotisserie chickens, hot sandwiches, soups and more.

In their letter, the members wrote, “As you know, for more than 60 years, the law governing SNAP has prohibited beneficiaries from purchasing hot, ready-to-eat foods with their benefits. This outdated restriction means that while a parent can use SNAP to buy frozen chicken and spend over an hour preparing and cooking it, they cannot purchase a hot rotisserie chicken to serve their family immediately. This policy no longer reflects the realities of modern American life or the diverse needs of SNAP households.”

Of the more than 42 million SNAP participants, including 2.8 million New Yorkers, nearly 70 percent of them are children, elderly, or those with disabilities. The ability to purchase hot and ready-to-eat foods would provide much-needed flexibility to those who rely on this program to supplement their nutrition and dietary needs.

A copy of the letter can be viewed here.

Originally introduced by Rep. Meng in May 2023, the Hot Foods Act has 80 cosponsors. It is supported by The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), First Focus Campaign for Children, Feeding America, Hunger Free America, and the National Association of Convenience Stores.

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) introduced the Safety Training for Officers on Public Health Threats Act (STOP Health Threats Act), bipartisan legislation to equip local law enforcement officers with the tools and training they need to recognize and respond to public health threats arising from building code violations, including illegal and unsafe facilities like the biological lab discovered in Reedley, California in 2023.Costa has been leading the charge to prevent future incidents like Reedley by pushing for better oversight and inter-agency coordination. “When dangerous, unregulated labs can operate undetected in small towns like Reedley, it’s not just a local issue—it’s a national public health risk,” said Congressman Jim Costa. “This isn’t just about one lab; it’s about making sure no town has to face a threat like this alone. The STOP Health Threats Act gives law enforcement the training they need to identify these risks and act swiftly. It’s about prevention, safety, and making sure every officer has the tools to protect their community.”“Keeping our communities safe means making sure local law enforcement has the tools required to quickly identify serious public health threats,” said Congressman Valadao, Co-Sponsor of the bill. “The STOP Health Threats Act takes important steps to help officers recognize dangerous situations—like the illegal Reedley lab—before they put their lives at risk. I’m proud to join Rep. Costa in introducing this bipartisan bill to strengthen public safety and protect our families.”“As a small rural City, we are often under-resourced, and yet we have to deal with some of the same threats and complexities in larger urban cities.  Criminals and those who wish to hide their activities will often choose smaller cities precisely because they believe their deeds will go unnoticed since there are fewer staff and resources to source out and investigate issues.  The STOP Health Threats Act will provide a training lifeline for rural cities, ensuring that Code Enforcement Officers and Inspectors have the knowledge and tools to protect Americans from biological and similar threats that might otherwise go undetected,” said Nicole Zieba, City Manager of Reedley.”Code enforcement officers play a crucial role in safeguarding our communities by ensuring buildings and facilities adhere to safety standards,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer John Belcik. “The International Code Council commends Congressman Costa for introducing the STOP Health Threats Act, which would augment training for these public servants to ensure they are best equipped to identify and mitigate public health threats arising from building code violations.”BACKGROUNDIn 2023, Jessalyn Harper, a code enforcement officer, uncovered an illegal lab in Reedley, CA, storing hazardous biological materials in violation of numerous building and health codes. The lab contained infectious agents, such as COVID-19 and HIV, and was operating without oversight, posing a significant threat to public health.Nationwide, unsafe buildings, unregulated materials, and poor sanitation often go unchecked due to limited specialized training for law enforcement, especially in rural areas with limited resources. These unchecked violations can trigger disease outbreaks and long-term health risks.The STOP Health Threats Act empowers local governments by directing the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants for training code enforcement officers to recognize and respond to public health threats caused by building code violations. The bill promotes collaboration with public health departments and nonprofits, supports the development of tailored training programs, and prioritizes funding for communities like Reedley, where serious threats have been identified.
View the text of the bill HERE.