MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) re-introduced the Credit Card Competition Act. The Senate companion bill is being led by Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS).

“The average American household is paying over $1,000 each year on credit card swipe fees, the highest in the world. Right now, just two major credit card companies are setting swipe fees for the nation’s largest banks, crushing consumers and small businesses. Our bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act will provide needed relief by fostering competition, lowering prices for everyone. I’m proud to re-introduce this bill with my House and Senate colleagues,” said Rep. Lofgren.

“Credit Card companies have been raking in record profits at the expense of Main Street America. I thank President Trump for fighting for hardworking Americans,” said Rep. Gooden.

“Americans are struggling with everyday purchases like groceries and gas, and credit card swipe fees inflate those already exorbitant prices,” said Sen. Durbin. “By bringing real competition to credit card networks, which is currently dominated by the Visa-Mastercard duopoly, we can reduce swipe fees and hold down costs for Main Street merchants and their customers. Let’s pass the Credit Card Competition Act as soon as possible.”

“The average American family is being ripped off by Big Banks, who profit billions from swipe fees while hardworking Americans pay the price. It’s time to bring real competition to a credit card network market dominated by Visa and Mastercard — and drive down the cost of everyday goods,” said Sen. Marshall. “The American Dream doesn’t work when the system is rigged, and this bill helps level the playing field. I’m grateful to have President Trump’s support, and I look forward to working with Senator Durbin to get this across the finish line.”

Lofgren and Gooden previously introduced this legislation in June 2023. 

Support

It has been endorsed by a wide coalition of consumer protection groups, labor unions, small business associations, and President Trump, including: 

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Food Industry Association (FMI), National Grocers Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, National Small Business Association, American Booksellers Association, Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Yemeni American Merchants Association, Airport Restaurant and Retail Association, Outdoor Hospitality Industry, National Association of Blind Merchants, American Economic Liberties Project, Americans for Financial Reform, Consumer Report, Fight Corporate Monopolies, Future of Music Coalition, Hispanic Leadership Fund, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Main Street Alliance, National Independent Venue Association, Small Business Majority, U.S. Public Interest Research Group (US PIRG), International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), Retail, Wholesale, Department Store Union, The Coalition of Large Tribes, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, American Logistics Association, Armed Forces Marketing Council

Documents

Click here for the bill text, or read the one-page explainer here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted with a bipartisan majority (341 to 79) of the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 7006, the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act.

“As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was proud to support another package of bills that fund important priorities for our region, state, and country,” said Rep. Calvert. “The bill passed today addresses longstanding frustrations of Eastvale residents and businesses, including not having a post office in the city, as well as their lack of a single, unique zip code. To combat fentanyl and other drugs in our communities, the bill provides critical resources for law enforcement agencies at all levels of government.”

Rep. Calvert’s priorities included in the bill:

• Eastvale Post Office: The bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to conduct a comprehensive analysis related to the construction or acquisition of a new post office in the city of Eastvale.
• Eastvale Zip Code: The bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to conduct a review of communities, including Eastvale, where assigned zip codes overlap municipal jurisdictions, resulting in multiple city listings or incorrect listings. The bill directs the Postal Service to include in its review a set of solutions that could be utilized to ensure proper designations in the future, as well as options to designate a single, unique zip code for jurisdictions, like Eastvale, that are affected by this issue.
• Riverside Courthouse: The bill includes language encouraging the General Services Agency to prioritize the completion of Courthouse Phase I feasibility studies and to consider reassigning internal staff or using consultant services.
• High Intensity Drug Trafficking Program: The bill provides $298.6 million to help Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in areas determined to be key drug-trafficking regions.
• Fentanyl: Maintains the current level of $1.4 billion for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, including increased funding to counter fentanyl.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

LOS ANGELES, CA – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services, was honored with the Watts Area Ministers Legacy Award during the Annual Watts Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, held Saturday in the Watts community of South Los Angeles.

The award was presented by the Watts Area Ministers, a longstanding coalition of faith leaders serving South Los Angeles, in recognition of Congresswoman Waters’ decades-long commitment to civil rights, economic justice, housing equity, and advocacy for historically underserved communities. The award was presented under the leadership of Pastor Robert Taylor, President of the Watts Area Ministers.

In accepting the honor, Congresswoman Waters reflected on Dr. King’s legacy and stressed that the fight for justice requires action, particularly in the areas of housing, economic opportunity, and voting rights.

“Dr. King didn’t march so we could celebrate once a year and go back to business as usual,” said Congresswoman Waters. “He marched so Black folks could live with dignity, afford a decent home, earn a fair wage, and vote without interference. In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, I am fully committed to the proposition that freedom is not voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. I will keep fighting for equal rights, no matter who tries to roll them back.”

During her remarks, Congresswoman Waters emphasized that Dr. King understood housing and economic security as civil rights issues, noting that stable and affordable housing is foundational to strong families and thriving communities. She tied that legacy to her work as the leading Democrat on the Financial Services Committee, where she has fought to expand affordable housing, strengthen fair lending protections, protect consumers, and hold financial institutions accountable.

She also warned that the right to vote, won through sacrifice and struggle, is once again under attack, and urged communities to remain vigilant and engaged in protecting democracy. 

“The right to vote was paid for with blood,” Congresswoman Waters said. “John Lewis proved that on the bridge in Selma. We cannot allow anyone, courts, politicians, or even the President of the United States, to take away what our ancestors fought and bled for.”

The Annual Watts Dr. King Day Celebration brought together clergy, community leaders, elders, families, and elected officials under the theme “Keeping the Dream Alive.” The program featured prayers, musical selections, civic presentations, and a moment of commemoration honoring Dr. King’s enduring impact.

Congresswoman Waters thanked the Watts Area Ministers for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to continuing Dr. King’s unfinished work through legislative leadership and deep partnership with the community. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP), celebrated the House passage of his Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Act, which was passed a key component of a legislative minibus that also included the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. The NSRP legislation delivers a historic16% spending reduction – the largest of any appropriations bill this fiscal year.

“I commend Chairman Tom Cole’s leadership in restoring regular order to the appropriations process and protecting hard-earned U.S. taxpayer dollars and thank my colleagues for advancing this third tranche of full-year appropriations bills that deliver real solutions for the American people. These bills cut waste, fraud, and abuse, ensure accountability and efficiency, combat drug trafficking, and strengthen U.S. national security, all while advancing President Trump’s America First agenda.

As chairman of the subcommittee responsible for funding America’s foreign policy and national security priorities, I am proud that my NSRP Fiscal Year 2026 bill delivers the largest spending reduction of any appropriations bill this year, reducing spending by 16%, while strengthening U.S. national security and prioritizing American interests. 

Under President Trump’s leadership, American strength and credibility on the world stage are back. This legislation advances the President’s Peace Through Strength vision by strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships that lead to economic prosperity for the United States and our hemisphere, standing firmly with our allies, confronting malign actors that threaten our security, combating drug trafficking, and controlling irresponsible and dangerous migration.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

FISCAL YEAR 2026 NATIONAL SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL

The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $50.014 billion, a nearly $9.3 billion cut (16%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The unprecedented reduction of spending in this measure codifies the FY25 rescissions and cuts even more, while reflecting the priorities of the America First agenda. 

Even with the cuts, the NSRP bill maintains robust funding for our allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan, and counters adversaries like the Communist People’s Republic of China (PRC), Iran, Cuba, and drug cartels – including those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill removes woke Biden-era poison pills and supports President Trump’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

Champions America First Foreign Policy by:

• Reprioritizing funding in support of United States national security.
• Creating the America First Opportunity Fund to ensure the Secretary of State has the flexibility to quickly respond to unforeseen opportunities in an effort to advance the America First foreign policy agenda.
• Supporting President Trump’s America First foreign policy by eliminating wasteful spending on DEI or woke programming, climate change mandates, and divisive gender ideologies.
• Prioritizing funding and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States to help save American lives.
• Putting American businesses first by prioritizing diplomatic engagement to favorably resolve commercial disputes abroad and to promote American business interests overseas.
• Refocusing attention on critical diplomatic functions, such as addressing passport applications and ensuring the safety and security of our embassies.

Protects life, supports American values, and enhances our standing in the world by:

• Protecting long-standing pro-life provisions as well as enhancing oversight and transparency over program implementation to ensure American taxpayer dollars will not fund abortions.
• Increasing support for religious freedom programs and demanding religious freedom protections for faith-based organizations.
• Holding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for their persecution of people of faith, including restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from violence due to their beliefs.
• Confronting human trafficking by prohibiting funding for countries and organizations that continue benefiting from the human trafficking of Cuban medical doctors, while directing the Secretary of State to pull visas for officials involved in Cuban doctors’ trafficking.
• Advancing free speech and prohibiting censorship by banning programs that violate the free speech rights of American citizens.

Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:

• Providing unwavering support for Israel by including no less than $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds.
• Upholding longstanding partnerships with our key security allies in the Middle East, Israel, Egypt, and Jordan.
• Including $300 million for the Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan to strengthen deterrence across the Taiwan Strait, and up to $2 billion in loans and loan guarantees for such purpose.
• Fully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million.
• Providing $1.8 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific and to counter the PRC’s malign influence.
• Denying the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) access to U.S.-backed resources:
  • Requires opposition to multilateral development bank lending for China.
  • Requires opposition to increased shareholding for China within the multilateral development banks.
  • Prohibits funds from being used to repay loans to China.
  • Furthers cooperation between the Department of State and War in countering foreign talent programs posing a threat to national security.
• Prohibiting funding for programs that facilitate and encourage migration toward the United States border.

Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by:

• Prioritizing fiscal sanity with over $9 billion in cuts.
• Enhancing oversight and transparency requirements to ensure American taxpayer funds are not used by ineffective or fraudulent organizations.
• Supporting efforts to reduce duplication, eliminate bureaucracy and silos, and streamline foreign policy under the direction of the Secretary of State to support a nimble and effective Department.
• Eliminating funding for Biden-era executive orders on climate, gender, DEI, and extraneous or irrelevant programs that run contrary to an America First foreign policy agenda.
• Including a new directive to the Secretary of State to establish a responsible strategy for transitioning PEPFAR programs off United States assistance.
• Consolidating and reducing the number of accounts to facilitate efficient, strategic allocation of funds for programs that support United States national security interests.

Standing with our friend and ally, Israel by:

• Providing unwavering support for Israel by fully funding security assistance for Israel at $3.3 billion, consistent with the United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding.
• Prohibiting U.S. funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
• Prohibiting funding for the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel.
• Prohibiting any funding from being used to move the U.S. Embassy to the State of Israel to a location other than Jerusalem.
• Continuing conditions and restrictions to ensure taxpayer funds are not getting into the hands of terrorists or paying prisoners for acts of terrorism (pay-to-slay).
• Including language to ensure full compliance with the Taylor Force Act.
• Prohibiting funding from being used to revoke the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
• Extending Israel’s access to defense articles in the War Reserves Stockpile and loan guarantees for Israel.

Promotes freedom and democracy while safeguarding U.S. taxpayer dollars by:

• Requiring that foreign assistance be directed to countries in the Western Hemisphere that act as allies and execute foreign and domestic policies which are consistent with United States values and security interests, including Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru.
• Promoting freedom in the Western Hemisphere:
  • $25 million for democracy programs for Cuba;
  • $50 million for democracy programs for Venezuela;
  • $15 million for democracy and religious freedom programs for Nicaragua.
• $30 million for the operations of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti).
• Prohibiting funds to prevent the removal of entities from the Cuba Restricted List.
• Including limitations on funding for countries and organizations that benefit from the continued trafficking of Cuban medical doctors, and directing the Secretary of State to revoke visas for officials involved in the human trafficking of Cuban doctors.
• Prohibiting assistance to individuals or entities that support, finance, or facilitate the operations or commercial activities of the Cuban Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces or Ministry of the Interior, or their affiliates.
• Placing strict conditions on funding and requiring a pre-obligation report for Colombia, due to the Petro Administration’s failure to align with United States interests and worsening security conditions, including the assassination of a political opposition leader.
• Requiring a report from the Administration about efforts in Haiti and encouraging the incorporation of locally led organizations in their approach to the multi-layered crisis.

A summary of the bill is available here. 

Bill text is available here.

Floor Remarks can be watched here.

Joint Explanatory Statement is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) participated in a Ways and Means Trade subcommittee hearing discussing trade policy and its role in maintaining American innovation and technology leadership. A video and transcript of the Congresswoman’s questions and provided responses can be found below. 

Congresswoman Miller began by highlighting the Trump Administration’s historic achievements in ensuring anti-discriminatory practices against U.S. tech firms in recent trade agreements before questioning expert witness Nigel Cory, Director of Crowell Global Advisors, on the actions Congress should take to quell remaining discriminatory practices in Korea. 
 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Environment, today announced the introduction of H.R. 6918, the Climate Pollution Standard & Community Investment Act, major climate legislation that would create a roadmap to achieving a carbon-free economy, while driving down energy costs and supporting frontline communities.

This timely legislation comes on the heels of studies that U.S. emissions rose an estimated 2.4 percent in 2025, in a reversal of emission reductions in previous years, as well as reports that energy bills in the U.S. are on the rise to the tune of 13 percent, with prices expected to climb even further.

“For too long, there has been a false dichotomy that we can either address climate change and develop clean energy solutions or strengthen our economy and lower costs; that could not be further from the truth,” Congressman Tonko said. “Smart, comprehensive climate policy will have massive cost-saving benefits for our nation and communities, while also avoiding the worst economic and public health harms caused by climate change. That’s why I’ve introduced my Climate Pollution Standard and Community Investment Act. This legislation addresses climate pollution by establishing a framework that encourages the most cost-effective pathway to reducing emissions, while using the revenues generated to support working and middle class Americans. I’ll keep pushing for Congress to get serious about taking meaningful climate action while also lowering energy costs for consumers.”

“At a time of rising energy demand and prices, Representative Tonko’s Climate Pollution and Community Investment Act is a thoughtful, practical proposal that addresses the twin challenge of climate and affordability. The proposal uses the power of the market to drive American innovation and competitiveness, positioning the American economy to prosper and grow while cutting climate pollution and protecting consumers from rising costs. We look forward to working with Congress, businesses, and stakeholders across the economy to demonstrate that effective climate policy aligns with sound economic policy,” said Nat Keohane, President, Center for the Climate and Energy Solutions.

The Climate Pollution Standard and Community Investment Act will:

• Create a long-term regulatory framework to phase down climate pollution from major sources;
• Generate new revenues which will be reinvested in frontline communities;
• Support displaced workers and low-income households; and
• Fund additional activities that will accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies.

The approach proposed in this legislation has a proven record of success that includes the EPA’s implementation of the AIM Act to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and the Acid Rain Program to phase down sulfur dioxide (SO2). Both programs, enacted with strong bipartisan support by Congress, utilize an allowance program to achieve emissions reductions in a certain, orderly, and cost-effective manner.

Bill summary can be found HERE.

Bill text can be found HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) will return to federal court against the Trump Administration after officials secretly re-imposed a policy that stonewalls unannounced congressional oversight of federal immigration detention facilities.

Under federal law, all members of Congress have the right to conduct unannounced oversight of federal facilities, including those run by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). Congressman Crow sued the Trump Administration to uphold this right following his unlawful denial from an ICE detention facility in Aurora in July 2025.

Recently, however, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem issued a memo requiring Members of Congress to provide seven days’ notice before being granted access to these facilities. This is an attempt, once again, to add new roadblocks to oversight and to avoid accountability. The right to conduct unannounced visits was recently upheld in December following an attempt by the Administration to implement the same policy requiring advance notice from Members of Congress.

Crow’s motion urgently asks the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to order the Administration to explain how the policy requiring seven days advance notice is not a violation of federal law.

Additional Members of Congress who were denied access to federal detention facilities joined Crow as plaintiffs in the lawsuit: Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-36), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), and Lou Correa (D-CA-46).

In a joint statement, the plaintiffs said: “In December, a federal court acted to restore Members of Congress’s ability to conduct essential congressional oversight on behalf of the American people. Now, rather than complying with the law, the Department of Homeland Security is attempting to get around this order by re-imposing the same unlawful policy. This is unacceptable. Oversight is a core responsibility of Members of Congress, and a constitutional duty we do not take lightly. It is not something the executive branch can turn on or off at will. Today, we are going back to court to defend the rule of law, protect transparency, and ensure that no administration can hide behind closed doors.”

Since his election to Congress, Crow has fought to promote transparency, oversight, and accountability in federal immigration detention centers. He introduced bipartisan legislation guaranteeing Members of Congress the right to conduct unannounced, in-person oversight visits of ICE detention facilities, including to check on any concerns related to public health and the humane treatment of detained individuals.

Crow regularly conducts oversight of Aurora’s ICE detention facility. Since 2019, he has visited the facility to conduct oversight ten times. Crow’s staff have also visited the facility more than 80 times to conduct oversight. Public reports of such visits, along with conditions at the facility, are published on Crow’s website.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jimmy Gomez hosted a telephone town hall tonight to hear directly from constituents as communities across the country grapple with aggressive immigration enforcement, rising costs, and growing concerns about holding Republicans in power accountable. Rep. Gomez was joined by 7,212 constituents from across Los Angeles.

During the call, Gomez addressed the killing of U.S. citizen Renée Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, ongoing immigration enforcement activity, and what he described as blatant abuses of power by the Trump administration. He also discussed his efforts to hold the Department of Homeland Security accountable, including a lawsuit against the Trump administration to ensure members of congress have access to conduct unannounced oversight visits at federal detention facilities, as well as newly filed articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

Gomez also spoke about escalating instability abroad, including the Trump administration’s recent unauthorized military operation in Venezuela and reckless rhetoric toward NATO allies. He highlighted his recent legislation to block any attempt by President Trump to invade, annex, or purchase Greenland, warning that unauthorized military threats put global security and American credibility at risk. 

“I’m holding these town halls because families are living with the consequences of Donald Trump’s abuse of power every day, from rising prices to aggressive immigration enforcement that’s tearing communities apart,” said Rep. Gomez. “I’m using every tool I have, oversight, the courts, and legislation, to hold this administration accountable. Hearing directly from constituents is how we push back and make sure that accountability actually happens.”  

Rep. Gomez also highlighted legislative efforts to lower costs for working families, including his proposed bill to redirect Trump’s $175 billion anti-immigrant slush fund into making housing affordable.

Gomez closed by encouraging constituents to stay engaged and continue sharing their stories.