MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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

Headline: Newhouse Supports U.S. Department of Education’s OSPI Investigaton

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the United States Department of Education’s investigation into the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

“I commend the U.S Department of Education for initiating this investigation as we work to restore common sense and fairness in Washington classrooms and athletics. The state of Washington is actively ignoring an executive order and threatening federal funds to schools in the process. OSPI must be held accountable for their attack on parental rights.” 

The U.S. Department of Education announced the first-ever joint investigation under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The investigation into OSPI is for allegedly forcing gender ideology polices on school districts, contrary to the aforementioned federal laws.

Rep. Newhouse elevated numerous cases of potential violations from Washington’s Fourth District to the White House that supported the Department of Education’s grounds for an investigation.  

Read the announcement by the U.S. Department of Education here.  

###  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Senator Todd Young (R-IN), Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS-1) re-introduced the Ship-building and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries. Other cosponsors in the Senate include Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA).

There are currently 80 U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce while China has 5,500. The SHIPS for America Act aims to close this gap and boost the U.S. Merchant Marine by establishing national oversight and consistent funding for U.S. maritime policy, making U.S.-flagged vessels commercially competitive in international commerce by cutting red tape, rebuilding the U.S. shipyard industrial base, and expanding and strengthening mariner and shipyard worker recruitment, training, and retention.

“After decades of dangerously neglecting our shipbuilding industry, we’re finally doing something about it. The SHIPS for America Act is the most ambitious effort in a generation to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries and counter China’s dominance over the oceans,” said Senator Kelly, a U.S. Navy veteran and the first U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate to serve in Congress. “Building and staffing more U.S.-flagged ships will create good-paying American jobs, make our supply chains more resilient, lower costs, and strengthen our ability to resupply our military at times of war. We’ll keep working with our colleagues in Congress, this administration, and our partners in the industry to make our country safer and competitive by passing the SHIPS for America Act.”

“America has been a maritime nation since our founding, and seapower was a significant contributor to our rise to being the most powerful nation on earth. Unfortunately, the bottom line now is America needs more ships. Shipbuilding is a national security priority and a stopgap against foreign threats and coercion. Our bill will revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, grow our shipbuilding capacity, rebuild America’s shipyard industrial base, and support nationwide workforce development in this industry. This legislation is critical to our warfighting capabilities and keeping peace with China,” said Senator Young, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate.

“Strengthening America’s shipbuilding capacity and revitalizing our commercial maritime industry is critical to national security and economic resilience. Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re prioritizing these vital sectors. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Todd Young, and Congressman John Garamendi to help safeguard our maritime future,” said Congressman Kelly.

“With China’s growing influence in the global maritime sector, the United States can no longer afford to overlook our maritime industries. The SHIPS for America Act will give our shipyards and merchant mariners the tools they need to rebuild America’s maritime industry and create good-paying American jobs,” said Congressman Garamendi. “I’m proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Kelly, Senator Young, and Representative Kelly to strengthen America’s national security, economic strength, and global leadership on the high seas.”

“Because of our vast geography, the maritime industry is uniquely vital to Alaska, with many of our coastal communities relying on a strong U.S.-flagged fleet for everything from everyday logistics, to commercial fishing and homeland defense. I am proud to cosponsor the SHIPS Act, which advances common-sense solutions that will invest in the workforce and revitalize our nation’s shipbuilding, increasing Alaska’s resilience and security,” said Senator Murkowski.

When it comes to maintaining our competitive edge against China, failure is not an option. The SHIPS for America Act will help the United States compete with China’s production of ships while creating new manufacturing jobs in shipyards across the nation,” said Senator Fetterman. “Not only will this strengthen our national security, but it’ll also grow our local economies and support working families right here in Pennsylvania. I’m proud to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will help us build more ships in America and stand up to China.”

The SHIPS for America Act would:
• Coordinate U.S. maritime policy by establishing the position of Maritime Security Advisor within the White House, who would lead an interagency Maritime Security Board tasked with making whole-of-government strategic decisions for how to implement a National Maritime Strategy. The bill also establishes a Maritime Security Trust Fund that would reinvest duties and fees paid by the maritime industry into maritime security programs and infrastructure supporting maritime commerce.
• Establish a national goal of expanding the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships in 10 years by creating the Strategic Commercial Fleet Program, which would facilitate the development of a fleet of commercially operated, U.S.-flagged, American crewed, and domestically built merchant vessels that can operate competitively in international commerce.
• Enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce by establishing a Rulemaking Committee on Commercial Maritime Regulations and Standards to cut through the U.S. Coast Guard’s bureaucracy and red tape that limits the international competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels, modify duties to make cargo on U.S.-flagged vessels more competitive, requiring that government-funded cargo move aboard U.S.-flagged vessels, and requiring a portion of commercial goods imported from China to move aboard U.S.-flagged vessels starting in 2030.
• Expand the U.S. shipyard industrial base, for both military and commercial oceangoing vessels, by establishing a 25 percent investment tax credit for shipyard investments, transforming the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program into a revolving fund, and establishing a Shipbuilding Financial Incentives program to support innovative approaches to domestic ship building and ship repair.
• Make historic investments in maritime workforce by supporting a Maritime Workforce Promotion and Recruitment Campaign, allowing mariners to retain their credentials through a newly established Merchant Marine Career Retention Program, investing in long-overdue infrastructure needs for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and supporting State Maritime Academies and Centers for Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The bill also makes long-overdue changes to streamline and modernize the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credentialing system.

The legislation will be introduced in two pieces in the Senate, the SHIPS for America Act and the Building SHIPS in America Act.

Background:
Since first introducing the SHIPS for America Act in December, the urgency to boost American shipbuilding has emerged as a priority of bipartisan consensus this year, particularly after the U.S. Trade Representative revealed its findings regarding China’s shipbuilding dominance and President Trump signed a shipbuilding executive order.

Sen. Kelly earned his B.S. degree in marine engineering and nautical science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) and later an M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the United States Naval Postgraduate School. He spent 25 years in the United States Navy as a pilot and is the first ever USMMA alumnus to serve in Congress. In 2023, he was elected chair of the USMMA Board of Visitors for the 118th Congress.

The following organizations have endorsed the SHIPS for America Act:
Keystone Shipping Company, American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association, Navy League, General Dynamics-NASSCO, American Waterway Operators, American Maritime Partnership, San Jacinto College, Oceantic Network, California State University Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, Senesco Marine, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Great Lakes Maritime Academy, USMMA Alumni Association and Foundation, American Maritime Officers, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development (MIRAID), International Propeller Club, Crowley, American Maritime Officers Service, The Pasha Group, Saltchuk, Tropical, Saltchuk Marine, Overseas Shipholding Group, Core Power, Govini, US Ocean, Small Shipyard Grant Coalition, The American Club, Transportation Institute, Blue Water Autonomy, American Bureau of Shipping, With Honor Action, Texas A&M Maritime Academy, National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA), American Iron and Steel Institute, Shipbuilders Council of America, Maritime Association of the Port of NY/NJ, United Steelworkers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Matson, American Legion, Inc., Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.D.A.), Ocean Shipholdings, Inc, Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA), Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Ports America, Seafarers International Union (SIU), U.S. Marine Management, AUVSI, Maritime Accelerator for Resilience, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., Chamber of Shipping of America, National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE), Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), California Forever, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Alliance for American Manufacturing, Nucor, Steel Manufacturers Association, Blue Sky Maritime, New American Industrial Alliance, and Ship Operations and Marine Technical Support (SOMTS).

See what maritime leaders and stakeholders are saying about the SHIPS for America Act:
“The USA Maritime coalition supports the SHIPS for America Act and has been honored to work with Senators Kelly and Young and Congressmen Garamendi and Kelly as the bill has taken shape over the last two years. This bill represents the most comprehensive maritime policy initiative in more than half a century. Now, more than ever, the United States needs a strong, vibrant and growing Merchant Marine, capable of carrying a substantial portion of our foreign commerce and supporting our military in time of war. This initiative will ensure our country has the U.S.-Flag ships and American mariners needed to preserve, protect and defend America and our economic security. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on this legislation,” said Brian W. Schoeneman, Chair, USA Maritime.

“The Shipbuilders Council of America commends Senator Kelly, Congressman Kelly, Senator Young, and Congressman Garamendi for their leadership in advancing the SHIPS for America Act. This legislation represents a significant step forward in strengthening the nation’s shipyard industrial base and establishing a comprehensive national maritime strategy. We are encouraged by its focus on bolstering American shipbuilding and ensuring a robust maritime sector capable of supporting our nation’s economic and national security. SCA is committed to continuing its engagement with these Congressional members and staff to refine and enhance the legislation, especially to better support our domestic ship repair industry, and we look forward to collaborating with policymakers to ensure the success of initiatives that secure the future of America’s shipyard industrial base and maritime workforce,” Matthew Paxton, President, Shipbuilders Council of America.

“The Navy League applauds the introduction of the SHIPS for America Act, a landmark legislative achievement that will comprehensively meet the needs of the U.S. merchant marine and bolster our shipbuilding industrial base. In today’s global threat environment, arguably the most perilous since the end of the Cold War, the United States must not only maintain the finest Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard on the seas, but also ensure a robust U.S.-flag merchant marine and a resilient shipbuilding industrial base. These elements are crucial for safeguarding our national and economic security in the event of large-scale military conflict. The SHIPS for America Act addresses these vital considerations and reaffirms that America is, and always will be, a maritime nation,” said Mike Stevens, CEO, Navy League.

“In any conflict with China, the outcome will hinge on our ability to project power across the Pacific via military sealift. The vast majority of the USN Strategic Sealift Officers are service-obligated graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. We are deeply grateful to the sponsors of the SHIPS for America Act for recognizing that the USMMA campus at Kings Point, NY, built in the 1940s, urgently requires modernization to meet the demands of today’s national security threats,” said Captain James F. Tobin ’77, President/CEO, USMMA Alumni Association and Foundation.

“The Masters, Mates & Pilots strongly supports the SHIPS for America Act. This comprehensive and pragmatic maritime policy initiative will create and support jobs for American mariners, ensuring that our country has the maritime manpower needed to protect and enhance our nation’s economic and military security,” said Captain Don Josberger, International President, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots.

“The International Propeller Club is a steadfast advocate for the SHIPS for America Act. Our nation’s maritime industry is at a critical crossroads. This comprehensive maritime policy initiative will protect and enhance foreign policy, national security, and economic prosperity through increased U.S.-flag shipping capability and a revitalization of the domestic shipbuilding industry,” said Maria Conatser, International President, International Propeller Club.

“The Consortium of State Maritime Academies strongly supports the SHIPS for America Act, and is grateful for the bipartisan and bicameral leadership of Sen. Kelly, Sen. Young, Rep. Kelly, and Rep. Garamendi. The Consortium is united in our goal of working with our elected officials to support passage of this Act. Once enacted, the SHIPS Act will result in the United States Merchant Marine once again playing a leading role on the global stage, and the growth of the American maritime industry, a strategically important industry that provides thousands of well paid positions for the nation,” said the Consortium of State Maritime Academies.

“With Honor Action applauds Senator Mark Kelly, a Navy veteran, and Senator Todd Young, a Marine Corps veteran, for proposing real solutions to revitalize our nation’s shipbuilding base and create more job opportunities for Americans. As advocates for bipartisan, principled veteran leadership in Congress, we are pleased to see veterans who have chosen to continue to serve in Congress working together to address the critical issues facing our nation,” said Ryan Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO, With Honor.

“NDTA supports the strategic rebuilding of the United State’s fleet of ships who fly our flag. We must have a fleet of ocean-going vessels to protect the economic security of our nation. The SHIPS for America Act is truly a significant step in the right direction. Everyone in America needs to get educated about the importance of this bill. Rebuilding our U.S. fleet, our shipbuilding capacity, and workforce is a national imperative,” said William A. Brown, Vice Admiral, USN (Retired), President and CEO, NDTA The Association for Global Logistics and Transportation.

“U.S. economic and national security is inexorably tied to our nation’s shipbuilding capacity. Yet, for too long, China has dominated this critical sector, costing the U.S. tens of thousands of jobs across the shipbuilding supply chain and leaving us less secure as we rely on foreign-made vessels to meet our needs. Our union commends Sens. Kelly and Young and Reps. Garamendi and Kelly as they introduce the SHIPS for America Act. USW members stand ready to contribute their skills in manufacturing the plate steel, coatings, cable, glass, rubber, engines and countless other products we’ll need to revitalize American shipbuilding,” said Dave McCall, President, USW International.

“In the United States, we have a small number of shipyards focused on building Navy and Coast Guard ships, and a far smaller amount focused on building ocean-going vessels for commercial use. At the shipbuilding supplier level, we have many components that are provided by a manufacturer who may be one of the few, if not the sole, remaining means of production. As noted in the SHIPS Act, we must work with our industrial partners in NATO and Allied nations, but also invest in our American workforce and capabilities. The elements of Buy America legislation incorporated in this Bill are important to reaching this goal,” said Roger Camp, President and CEO, American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association.

“The reintroduction of the SHIPS for America Act marks as a vital step forward in strengthening our maritime supply chain and revitalizing the U.S. commercial shipbuilding industry. This legislation will help ensure that American goods move on American-built ships, operated by American mariners, supporting our economic security and national resilience. We appreciate the inclusion of legislation that would authorize terminal operators to establish tax free accounts for the purchase of cargo handling equipment knowing this will help our industry provide state-of-the-art services. Ports and terminal operators across the country are ready to meet the future with modern infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce – but we need a commercial fleet that can match that capability. The SHIPS for America Act helps close that gap and brings long-overdue investment to a sector critical to our competitiveness. NAWE applauds Senators Kelly and Young for their bipartisan leadership and looks forward to working alongside Congress to advance this important legislation,” said Carl Bentzel, President, National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE).

“Hanwha Philly Shipyard recognizes and commends U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Todd Young, and Congressmen Trent Kelly and John Garamendi for their maritime policy leadership in reintroducing the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act. This bill offers tangible incentives to the domestic maritime industry with the goal of expanding the U.S. flag ocean-going fleet. It supports a major recapitalization of the shipbuilding infrastructure in the U.S., provides substantial incentives for the purchase of U.S.-built commercial vessels, and supports the national security and naval shipbuilding goals of the U.S. We see tremendous value in this legislation and believe it would have a long-term positive impact on Hanwha Philly Shipyard, other shipbuilders in the U.S. and Hanwha’s investments in America’s shipping industry and maritime industrial base,” said David Kim, CEO, Hanwha Philly Shipyard.

“For too long, the United States has allowed its maritime strength to decline. In an era of rising great-power competition, revitalizing our maritime capabilities and sending strong signals to the private sector is more essential than ever. The American Legion, on behalf of our 1.6 million dues-paying members, is proud to support this legislation,” said James A. LaCoursiere, Jr., National Commander, The American Legion.

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

April 30, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) re-introduced legislation to protect consumers from Health Care Sharing Ministries’ deceptive practices and expand access to accurate information about health coverage options. The Health Care Sharing Transparency Act would help ensure consumers receive clear and truthful information before enrolling in a health share plan. By holding Health Care Sharing Ministries – also known as Health Share plans – accountable for inaccurate or untimely disclosures and by ensuring providers offer clear information regarding care, this bill helps address some of the dangerous health care practices plaguing consumers across the country.

“Health Care Sharing Ministries prey on people in search of medical coverage, leading them to purchase inadequate medical coverage when they may need it most,” said Rep. Huffman. “Through deceptive marketing tactics and overt appeals to religion, certain providers lure consumers into purchasing plans that can leave patients without the care they need or lead them into deep medical debt. We need to combat these unethical tactics with serious federal action. My legislation would help protect consumers from Health Share plans’ predatory practices and ensure consumers have access to clear, accurate information about their health care options when making important decisions about coverage for themselves and their loved ones. As more and more Americans fall victim to misleading and unregulated Health Care Sharing Ministries, it’s more important than ever that we respond with proper reform.”

Health Share Caring Ministries are a limited form of health coverage that require members – who must share a common set of religious or ethical beliefs – to submit monthly payments to cover the qualified expenses of other members. Health Share plans do not have to comply with the consumer protections of the Affordable Care Act, provide limited benefits for their members, and do not guarantee payment for medical claims. Recent data shows Health Share plans deem only half of members’ health expenses eligible for reimbursement. They also exclude coverage altogether for services such as abortions, contraception, mental health, substance use disorders, chronic conditions, certain preexisting conditions, and even maternity care. 

With more for-profit administrators taking advantage of loopholes to market Health Share plans to broader audiences through deceptive practices, roughly 1.7 million Americans have now enrolled in one of these plans and are at serious risk of being denied necessary treatments and services.

The Health Share Transparency Act would:

• Empower consumers with the knowledge to distinguish between comprehensive, regulated health insurance products and Health Shares by requiring Health Shares to disclose clear information during the enrollment process. 

• Provide new data for regulators to assess the threat Health Shares pose to public health – including rates of service denials, enrollment, service area, average out of pocket expenses for Health Share Members, and the contents of complaints received by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 

• Ensure health insurance brokers selling Health Shares inform consumers if they are eligible for better, more comprehensive forms of health coverage – including the ACA, Medicaid, or Medicare – and accurately describe the scope of benefits provided by Health Shares.

“We know that quality health insurance is essential for cancer patients. But too often, people – including cancer patients – enroll in a health sharing ministry, thinking they are covered, only to find out later that they can’t access the care they need. We applaud Rep. Huffman for introducing this important legislation which will help us learn more about health coverage that frequently leaves patients exposed to both physical and financial harm,” said Dr. Gwen Nichols, Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“FFRF Action Fund strongly supports the Health Share Transparency Act, and we thank Rep. Jared Huffman for reintroducing this vital legislation and making this bill a priority for the Congressional Freethought Caucus. Access to health care should never be conditioned on someone’s religious belief — yet healthcare sharing ministries routinely exploit religious exemptions to avoid accountability while misleading consumers. This bill is a crucial step toward protecting the public and upholding the separation of state and church,” said Annie Laurie Gaylor, President of FFRF Action Fund.

“Everyone deserves health care coverage that is comprehensive and transparent about its policies, and unfortunately health care sharing ministries can’t offer either,” said Fish Stark, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association. “Too often, health care sharing ministries’ deceptive practices leave American families in unanticipated medical debt with nowhere to turn for relief–all in the name of religion. This issue demands federal attention. We are proud to throw our full support behind the Health Share Transparency Act, and we applaud Congressman Huffman for his leadership in shepherding forward this critical legislation.”

The bill is endorsed by AiArthritis, AIDS Institute, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, American Humanist Association, Arthritis Foundation, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, CancerCare, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Center for Freethought Equality, Epilepsy Foundation of America, FFRF Action Fund, Hemophilia Federation of America, Immune Deficiency Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship, National Health Council, National Patient Advocate Foundation, National Psoriasis Foundation, Secular Coalition for America, and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Cosponsors include Representatives Jamie Raskin, Sean Casten, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rashida Tlaib, Mark Pocan, Seth Moulton, Steve Cohen, Jan Schakowsky, and Maxwell Frost.

Full bill text can be found here.

A summary of the bill is available here.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Yesterday, Pressley Rallied With Colleagues at State Dept. to Demand Mahdawi’s Release and Due Process for All

Pressley Recently Met with Constituent Rümeysa Öztürk, Mahmoud Khalil at ICE Detention Centers in Louisiana

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement applauding the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, Columbia University student and lawful permanent resident who was detained on April 14 after his naturalization interview in Vermont. Yesterday, at a rally outside the State Department, Congresswoman Pressleyjoined Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)and their colleagues to call for Mahdawi’s immediate release and demand due process for all. Congresswoman Pressley recently met with constituent Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil, two students who have been unlawfully detained by ICE and transported to Louisiana from their homes in retaliation for their protected speech.

Mahdawi, a Vermont permanent resident for the last ten years, was abruptly arrested earlier this month by masked, hooded ICE agents without being charged with a crime. In response to his arrest, Rep. Balint, Rep. Pressley, and 66 other House Democrats demanded to know the Administration’s alleged reason for his arrest from Secretaries Rubio and Noem and received no response. 

A full transcript of her remarks at yesterday’s rally is available below and video is available here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

CHICAGO, IL — Today, Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07) issued the following statement reflecting on the first 100 days of President Donald J. Trump’s second term:

“As President Trump marks his 100th day in his second term, I reflect not only on what has transpired but on what is at stake for the American people. These first 100 days have been defined by a clear agenda to roll back hard-fought gains in healthcare, civil rights, social services, and economic protections for working families.

The administration’s attempt to privatize Social Security and raise the retirement age is a direct attack on seniors who have spent a lifetime paying into the system. Their efforts to weaken Medicaid and repeal key elements of the Affordable Care Act threaten millions of Americans—particularly in communities of color and rural America—who depend on access to affordable healthcare.

In education, we’ve seen proposals to slash funding for public schools while diverting resources to unregulated private institutions. Meanwhile, student debt relief programs are being dismantled, leaving our young people burdened and betrayed.

With regard to criminal justice, the White House’s abandonment of reentry programs, elimination of funding for Second Chance initiatives, and return to punitive incarceration policies represent a disturbing setback for restorative justice and rehabilitation efforts that are critical to reducing recidivism and creating opportunity.

The administration’s failure to adequately address climate change, gun violence, and economic inequality has exposed its priorities—and they do not lie with everyday Americans. Instead, tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy, deregulation of corporate interests, and divisive political rhetoric have taken center stage.

Yet, I remain hopeful because the American people are resilient. We are organizing, marching, voting, and demanding a future that honors equity, truth, and justice. As a senior Member of Congress and Co-Chair of the Congressional Reentry Caucus, I will continue to fight to protect our social safety net, expand access to opportunity, and resist any effort that undermines the dignity of our democracy.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, Republican members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted down—on a party-line basis—an amendment offered by Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) to provide substantial funding for transit safety and security.

The vote came just weeks after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued letters threatening to withhold federal funding from agencies like the MTA and WMATA over alleged safety concerns. Nadler’s amendment would have provided dedicated capital grants—fully authorized under existing law—to upgrade safety infrastructure, expand staffing, and better protect both passengers and frontline transit workers.

“Secretary Duffy claims to care about safety. But when Republicans were given the chance to support real solutions, they turned their backs on the very transit agencies they’ve been scapegoating,” said Congressman Nadler. “It’s clear that their threats to withhold federal funds from the MTA aren’t truly about safety—they’re about undermining New York’s increasingly popular congestion pricing program.”

Public transit remains one of the safest ways to travel, with the National Safety Council reporting it is ten times safer than driving. In New York, felony crime on the subway is at a 30-year low, and assaults on transit workers have dropped more than 30 percent, thanks in part to federal investments in cameras, de-escalation training, and safety teams. This amendment would have built on these gains by providing substantial funding to expand proven safety interventions nationwide. The federal government can and should do far more to help improve transit safety by investing in the infrastructure, staffing, and technology that protect both riders and workers.

“Riders don’t need threats from Washington about cutting vital transit funding—they need real investment in safety, reliability, and respect for the communities who rely on public transportation every day,” Congressman Nadler continued. “That’s what this amendment offered. Instead, Republicans chose politics over public safety.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced The Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2025, legislation to grow and promote employee ownership through private ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans), a proven way to create stable jobs, build retirement wealth, and promote business growth.

“By expanding Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), we can put more hardworking Americans on the path to financial prosperity and a secure retirement,” said Rep. Kelly. “This bipartisan, bicameral plan is a win-win for workers and businesses: it allows businesses to include employee ownership in the compensation package, and ESOPs often retain more employees as a result. This is great legislation for both the employer and employee alike!”

“Too many hardworking Americans are approaching retirement without financial security and peace of mind,” said Rep. Panetta. “By helping businesses become employee-owned through their retirement plans, this bipartisan bill would give workers a stake in their company and a stronger path to build savings. When employees have ownership, businesses do better, communities grow stronger, and our economy becomes more resilient.”

“Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) empower hardworking Americans to achieve financial prosperity and secure their retirement while helping their companies grow and thrive,” said Stephanie Silverman, President and CEO of the Employee-Owned S Corporations of America (ESCA). “With job stability and economic growth a top priority for all workers, creating additional employee ownership opportunities is one way Congress can help more Americans retire with confidence and weather economic uncertainty.” 

The Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2025 would encourage S corporation business owners to form an ESOP, especially when looking to transition ownership.

BACKGROUND

Additionally, the bill would:

• Provide needed technical assistance for companies that may be interested in forming an ESOP;
• Ensure small businesses that become ESOP-owned retain their SBA certification;
• Create an Advocate for Employee Ownership at the U.S. Department of Labor.

At introduction, Representatives Kelly and Panetta were joined by six original cosponsors on the House Ways & Means Committee: Reps. Ron Estes (R-KS), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Carol Miller (R-WV), Danny Davis (D-IL), Blake Moore (R-UT) and Terri Sewell (D-AL).

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – Earlier today, Congressman Riley M. Moore gave his first speech on the floor of the House of Representatives. In the speech, Rep. Moore condemned the persecution of Christians abroad and urged his colleagues to join him in calling out the brutal attacks taking place in several countries, including Nigeria, Syria, and Iraq.

Watch the full speech here.

###

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

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-5) re-introduced the Researching Efficient Federal Improvements for Necessary Energy Refining (REFINER) Act, to help increase energy refining capacity in the United States.  

Over the last several years, North America lost an estimated one million barrels of fuel per day due to low refining capacity. The REFINER Act would address this crisis by collecting critical information, including identifying factors leading to low refining capacity, and presenting lawmakers with recommendations to expand refining capacity to ensure an abundance of affordable and reliable energy in the United States. 

“As energy demand continues to rise we must ensure our refining capacity can keep pace to ensure American energy dominance,” Latta said. “The REFINER Act will give us the necessary data and insights we need to make informed decisions that strengthen our energy infrastructure and keep fuel affordable for American families.” 

Background on the REFINER Act: 

The REFINER Act would require the National Petroleum Council to submit a report to the Secretary of Energy and Congress, detailing: 

• the role of petrochemical refineries in the U.S. and the contribution they make to the energy security of the United States, including the reliability of supply in the U.S. of liquid fuels and feedstocks, and the affordability of liquid fuels for consumers in the U.S.; 
• analyses and projections for the capacity of petrochemical refineries in the U.S., opportunities for expanding capacity, and current risks to the refineries; 
• an assessment of any Federal or State executive actions, regulations, or policies that have caused or contributed to a decline in refining capacity; and 
• any recommendations for Federal agencies and Congress to encourage an increase in refining capacity. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10)

Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10) announced the introduction of the “Eliminating the RFS and Its Destructive Outcomes Act,” a critical piece of legislation designed to eliminate the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and its significant harm upon American consumers, workers, and the environment.

“Eliminating the RFS is a vital step in preserving essential jobs and reducing inflationary pressures,” said Congressman Scott Perry. “By removing this mandate, we can curb the rising costs that are stretching household budgets to their limits.

While the RFS was intended to foster the use of environmentally friendly fuels, the environmental benefits of ethanol, particularly in replacing gasoline, are highly questionable. When evaluating the full environmental impact of increased corn production – including the water, land, and energy resources required – it’s clear that the RFS has produced net negative environmental consequences.”

The RFS originally was enacted with the noble goal of reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil and promoting environmentally friendly fuel alternatives; however, it failed on both fronts. Its unintended consequences have had detrimental impacts on our economy, energy independence, and environment.

One of the most pressing RFS issues is its devastating effect on the American People, particularly due to the negative effects on the domestic refining industry. RFS created regulatory burdens that undermine US refining capacity, and forced many refineries to scale back operations or close altogether – which, in turn, increases our reliance on foreign oil and fuels inflation, and further drives up the prices of food and fuel for American families.