MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) sent a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requesting that the agency declare an economic fishery disaster to provide immediate assistance to Maryland oystermen following this year’s devastating season. The request was made under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which authorizes federal emergency relief for fisheries affected by natural or economic disasters.

Congressman Harris sent the letter in response to outreach from members of Maryland’s Eastern Shore delegation requesting federal assistance as local watermen face mounting economic strain driven by severe weather, reduced market access, and increased competition.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“Severe weather this year, combined with shrinking market access and increased competition, left many crews effectively tied to the dock, with watermen able to fish for just one or two days all season. These pressures threaten both livelihoods and a major sector of the Eastern Shore economy. For that reason, I am urging NOAA to approve a federal disaster declaration because immediate disaster relief is necessary to help watermen recover from the financial losses caused by this season.”

Full text of the letter can be viewed here. 

For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov

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

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Dave Min (D-CA), and Stephanie Bice (R-OK) introduced the Internet Reach and Access Now Act or IRAN Act to promote internet freedom and access to information in Iran. 

According to the Freedom House Index, Iran has the third worst internet freedom score in the world. The government of Iran uses the internet as a tool of political repression and surveillance. But the people of Iran are standing up and demanding basic human rights, freedom, and democracy. Access to the open internet can be a tool for political organizing, the free exchange of ideas and a connection to the global community of democratic peoples. Promoting internet freedom in Iran is a critical element of supporting the Iranian people in their struggle for a peaceful and democratic Iran. 

“Oppressive regimes fall when the illusion of their power breaks, and the people of Iran are ready to break through,” said Rep. Eric Swalwell. “Iranians want freedom, a mission I’ve always supported. That’s why I’m introduced the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act, to expand access to free internet for the Iranian people. Open internet access is a powerful tool for change and empowers the people to stand against the regime. Iranians want what people everywhere want: the freedom to choose their own future.”

“The Iranian people have shown extraordinary courage in demanding basic freedoms from a regime that fears open communication,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “Instead of listening, the regime responds with censorship, surveillance, and internet shutdowns meant to isolate people from one another and from the world. The IRAN Act requires the U.S. government to implement and periodically update its strategy to expand access to the open internet for Iranian civilians. It ensures our sanctions are not unintentionally blocking essential communication tools and directs the State Department to address VPN access and internet blackouts head-on. This legislation is about matching the courage of the Iranian people with real, sustained support.”

“President Trump has said ‘help is on the way’ for Iranian people. Ensuring internet access would actually help people immediately–allowing them to access unbiased information, organize, and get in touch with loved ones. This is bipartisan, noncontroversial, and not militarily invasive; it can actually get done fast,” said Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari.

“There is nothing dictators fear more than an educated and connected people,” said Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar. “That is why the Ayatollah’s regime’s first instinct is always to shut down the internet, to silence the Iranian people’s cry for freedom. I am proud to co-lead the IRAN Act, because it creates a permanent strategy to keep Iranians connected, expand access to VPNs and satellite internet, and push back against regime censorship. From Iran to Cuba, access to information is the first step toward breaking the chains of tyranny.”

“Time and again, the Iranian people have shown extraordinary courage in standing up for their freedom. Authoritarian governments fear an open internet because it empowers truth and connection between people. The IRAN Act is a clear statement that the United States stands with the Iranian people in their struggle against this violent and repressive regime, and that we will use every tool available to keep them connected to each other and to the world,” said Congressman Dave Min. 

“I am proud to co-lead the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act to help ensure the Iranian people have access to a free and open internet. As the Iranian people are taking to the streets to protest their oppressive regime, now is the time to ensure they have access to free and secure internet. This legislation is an important step in supporting their fight for freedom and democratic change,” said Congresswoman Stephanie Bice. 

“The Iranian regime’s recent nationwide internet blackout, imposed as tens of thousands of peaceful protesters were killed, underscores the urgent need for Congress to strengthen internet freedom tools for the Iranian people. The updated IRAN Act takes a critical step forward by expanding access to satellite, direct-to-cell, and other technologies that keep civilians connected when the regime attempts to silence them. PAAIA appreciates the bipartisan leadership behind this legislation and strongly supports its swift passage. Ensuring Iranians can remain online during moments of mass repression is essential to protecting human rights,” said Morad Ghorban, Director of Government Relations & Policy, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA).

The IRAN Act Would:

• Require the Secretary of State to implement and regularly update a comprehensive strategy to promote internet freedom in Iran, coordinating across federal agencies.
• Require the State Department to update the Comprehensive Strategy to Promote Internet Freedom and Access to Information in Iran, which was required by the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8754).
• Adds three new objectives to the comprehensive strategy to ensure the strategy more accurately reflects technologies used by Iranian civil society. The new objectives are:
  • Evaluating the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), satellite internet, and direct-to-cell (DTC) satellite technologies by civil society and human rights activists in Iran and developing strategies for increasing the accessibility of such technologies;
  • Working with Treasury and Commerce to ensure that enforcement of sanctions does not prevent companies from providing the technology and other tools necessary to access the open internet;
  • Assessing the ability of the Iranian regime to cut off all access to the internet and developing strategies to circumvent internet blackouts.
• Require all new or modified satellite or direct-to-cell internet licenses granted by the FCC refrain from disabling or geo-blocking satellite or DTC coverage over the land territory of Iran, except where explicitly required by Federal law or other applicable regulations.
• Require the Secretary of State, acting through the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor to establish programs to provide cybersecurity training and commercially available digital safety tools to assist Iranians in circumventing the Iranian regimes repressive censorship tools.
• Authorize the appropriation of $15,000,000 per year for FY2027 and FY2028 to fund the aforementioned technologies in Iran, especially VPNs.

IRAN Act is endorsed by – Public Affairs Associations of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), FDD Action, Lantern, Psiphon, and NetFreedom Pioneers.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

The Stop Underrides Act 2.0 would require side underride guards on new trucks and direct additional research and data collection about underride crashes

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

WASHINGTON — Representative Lauren Underwood, member of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, sent three investigative letters to Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Kristi Noem, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott, to demand answers and documentation related to Operation Midway Blitz.

In her letters, Underwood raised serious concerns about these agencies’ conduct, including potential constitutional violations, the wrongful detention of U.S. citizens, misuse of taxpayer dollars, and an unprecedented lack of transparency. The letters further underscore major unanswered questions about the cost, scope, and impact of immigration enforcement operations on Illinois’ communities.

“Congress has both the authority and duty to understand how taxpayer dollars are being spent and whether federal agencies are following the law,” Underwood said. “This Administration is completely out of control, and these so-called immigration enforcement operations in Illinois and around the country are terrorizing our communities, putting people in danger, and undermining our civil rights. I will not stop pressing for the accountability and transparency that our families deserve.”

Underwood and other Members of the Illinois delegation have repeatedly sought briefings, facility access, and basic details of immigration enforcement actions from the Trump Administration. Those requests have been consistently delayed or denied, obstructing Congress’s ability to conduct lawful oversight and help constituents impacted by enforcement actions.

People who need help with federal agencies like ICE and DHS are always encouraged to contact Rep. Underwood’s office for free assistance at (630) 549-2190 or visit https://underwood.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency.

Full text of Underwood’s letters can be found here:

Investigative letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Investigative letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Investigative letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia)

The House passed the disapproval resolution to overturn a local D.C. tax law today.

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

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement in response to The Washington Post’s large scale staff reductions and restructuring:

“On the front page of every copy of the Washington Post, right below the name of that famed paper, is a simple slogan: ‘democracy dies in darkness.’ Today, the darkness grows.

“I am appalled by the decision to lay off roughly a third of the Washington Post’s employees. Their dismissal will severely undermine the paper’s ability to provide comprehensive coverage of pressing events across the country and around the world. I thank those who have been fired not only for their tireless reporting but for their service to truth and democracy.

“As a Marylander and Prince Georgian, I find the downsizing of the Washington Post’s Metro section particularly concerning. It will create a vacuum in press coverage of one of America’s most important and diverse regions – a region that was already experiencing a decline in local journalism.

“The Post also removed every journalist who covers the Middle East and shuttered the Jerusalem and Ukraine bureaus, among others. The events currently taking place in these regions have grave implications for America and the world. Ignoring them is journalistic malpractice.

“What a shame it is to see this devastation inflicted upon the institution of Bob Woodward and Katharine Graham – the paper in which Americans read about Watergate and the Pentagon Papers.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

Sherman Oaks, California – Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) announced that over $12 million in federal funds for projects in the San Fernando Valley and parts of the Westside have been included in legislation signed into law. These 9 projects are in addition to 4 other projects that were signed into law two weeks ago. Sherman has secured funding for nearly 200 earmarks in appropriations bills and transportation reauthorizations throughout his time in Congress totaling more than $168 million for the district.

“These funds will address vital needs across our community including improvements to our local fire stations, public parks and infrastructure, as well as additional resources to address homelessness and services for those in need,” said Congressman Sherman.

 

The community projects signed into law this week were:

 

Los Angeles Fire Department Station Renovations – Los Angeles Fire Department

Amount: $2,000,000

This funding will be used for needed repairs to Los Angeles fire stations in the San Fernando Valley and the Westside. The life expectancy of a fire station is 50 years, and 15 fire stations in CD32 are close to or older than 50 years.

 

Labor Community Services Food Bank Equipment Needs – Los Angeles County 

Amount: $1,200,000

This funding will be used to modernize and upgrade the Labor Community Services (LCS) Food Bank Warehouse equipment. 

Southwest Valley Park Improvements Project – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $850,000

Funds to LA City to improve parks in the Southwest San Fernando Valley.

Los Angeles River Greenway Studio City Habitat Restoration, Beautification, and Safety Project – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $250,000 

This project will occur along the south bank of the Los Angeles River from Whitsett Avenue to Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Studio City and include new, native landscaping to replace existing, non-native plantings. The project will also install public lighting along the path, access pathways, and seating areas.

Community Engagement & Enrichment Center at LA Pierce College – Pierce College

Amount: $250,000

Grancell Village Affordable Senior Housing – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $850,000

This funding will assist in building affordable senior housing at Grancell Village, supporting low-income and disabled seniors.

West Los Angeles VA Modular Home Construction – Los Angeles County

Amount: $850,000 

Modular homes to provide temporary housing for homeless veterans.

 

Malibu Canyon Road and Kanan Dume Road Tunnel Lighting Upgrade Project – Los Angeles County

Amount: $250,000

Sepulveda Basin Park Improvements – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $850,000 

In addition, the following projects were signed into law two weeks ago:

 

Santa Monica Mountains Brush Clearance & Wildfire Mitigation – Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA)

Amount: $1,031,000

Lands within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) are in need of restoration, in particular brush clearance and the removal of invasive plant species. This project is critical for preserving the wildlife habitat and reducing wildfire risk as the Palisades and neighboring communities recover from the 2025 LA Fires.

 

High Bay Structural Test Lab – California State University, Northridge

Amount: $1,031,000

The technology and equipment in this 1,100-square-foot lab will expand research and student educational opportunities, through testing on structural systems using different weight loads that reflect real-world conditions. In addition, the laboratory provides workforce training to CSUN students in STEM pathways as the lab’s projects have real-world applications.

Crisis and Incident Response through Community–Led Engagement (CIRCLE) Program – City of Los Angeles

Amount: $2,062,000

The funding will be used to help expand the Crisis and Incident Response through Community-led Engagement (CIRCLE) program, a 24/7 unarmed response program that deploys trained teams to address non-urgent LAPD calls related to homeless individuals.

 

West LA Real Time Crime Center – Los Angeles Police Department

Amount: $1,031,000

The funding will be used to install a Real Time Crime Center in the West Los Angeles LAPD Division and expand the camera network around the community to reduce burglaries.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative John R Carter (R-TX-31)

Carter: House Republicans Act to Prevent Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to end the partial government shutdown and continue funding the federal government.

“Keeping the government functioning is a basic responsibility of Congress,” said Congressman John Carter. “House Republicans came together to do our job and provide certainty for families, workers, and small businesses who depend on a stable government.”

With today’s vote, the House has now funded 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills, accounting for approximately 96 percent of federal government operations. This progress represents a meaningful return to regular order and reflects a commitment to governing responsibly.

“This is what Texans expect. Passing individual funding bills, exercising oversight, and ensuring the government continues to operate without unnecessary disruption,” Carter said. “That is how Congress is meant to function.”

Carter noted that work remains on the final Homeland Security appropriations bill, which funds critical agencies including Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Secret Service, and FEMA.

“That final bill is important,” Carter said. “It supports border security, disaster response, aviation safety, and the men and women who protect the public every day. Those responsibilities cannot be put on hold.”

House Republicans have urged the Senate and the White House to continue negotiations in good faith to complete the remaining funding without delay.