Case Calls On President To Extend Jones Act Waiver Allowing International Shipping To Deliver Oil And Other Energy Products Between U.S. Ports

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i-First) today asked President Trump to extend the current 60-day waiver of the Jones Act, citing continued global shipping disruptions, constrained fuel supply chains and rising gasoline and energy costs in Hawai‘i, along with implications for U.S. military readiness in the Indo-Pacific.

The current waiver, which will expire soon, allows international shipping to transit critical oil, fuel and other fossil fuel-based products from the Continental U.S., where supplies are available, to Hawai‘i. It provides an alternative if international shipping stops or becomes prohibitively expensive. This alternative is not available under the Jones Act because there are not enough qualifying ships (built and flagged in the U.S.) to deliver these products to Hawai‘i from the Continental U.S. even in stable times and especially not in times of international disruption.

In his letter, Case told the President: “As Epic Fury continues to disrupt international oil, shipping and related markets, placing especially the non-contiguous parts of our country such as Hawai‘i at particular risk, I respectfully request that you extend your March 18, 2026, waiver of the Jones Act pursuant to 46 U.S.C. § 501(a), currently set to expire May 17, 2026, for another sixty days.”

Case warned that without the waiver, Hawai‘i is exposed not only to even higher sustained price spikes but also to potential fuel supply interruptions given Hawaii’s extreme reliance on maritime imports and limited shipping options.

Case shared with the President that Hawai‘i “is one of the most isolated parts of our country, depending on shipping for over ninety percent of our goods, including nearly all of our fossil fuel products. Yet the Jones Act severely limits shipping options from the continental U.S. to U.S. Jones Act vessels only, despite the widespread availability of shipping in the international markets.”

The Jones Act, a century-old federal maritime law, mandates that all cargo shipped between U.S. ports be transported on U.S.-flagged vessels, excluding most ships operating in global trade that are flagged internationally. With fewer than 100 oceangoing Jones Act vessels nationwide, limited domestic capacity faces no international competition, contributing to higher shipping costs.

The constraints are stark: of the nearly 7,500 oil tankers operating worldwide, only 54 are Jones Act-compliant and eligible to move fossil fuel products from the Continent to Hawai‘i, which remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuel products for energy. As a result, Hawai‘i typically must source most of its essential resources from foreign markets, where shipping is far cheaper.

“Epic Fury has further disrupted this already fragile system. International suppliers that Hawai‘i has historically relied upon are restricting exports, forcing greater dependence on domestic energy sources at precisely the time when Jones Act-compliant vessels are least available. This dual constraint of reduced international supply and insufficient domestic shipping capacity has made the waiver essential to maintaining adequate fuel flows to the state.”

Without the waiver, these combined pressures risk not only continued upward pressure on already elevated fuel prices, but also meaningful constraints on the ability to reliably secure and deliver essential energy supplies to Hawai‘i under stressed market conditions.

Case also highlighted to the President the extensive military presence in Hawai’i which is largely dependent on the same sources of energy, fuel and other fossil fuel products as the civilian population. He said: “Both these services and their active duty and civilian personnel and families are all being impacted by substantially higher fossil fuel-related costs and will be even more impacted if oil imports to Hawaii are outright unavailable.”

In the current 119th Congress, Case again introduced legislation to reform the Jones Act and open up Hawai‘i – continent shipping to international competition.

·         Copy of the letter to the President is here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:dcf0ffa6-f721-4784-9b38-b4abace3276d

·         Case’s February 14, 2025, press release on introduction of his current measures is here: https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3520.

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Krishnamoorthi, Grothman Introduce Bipartisan Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act to Strengthen Accountability and Protect Taxpayer Dollars

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

WASHINGTON– Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), alongside Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI), introduced the bipartisan Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act, legislation to establish a government-wide training program to better equip federal employees to identify fraud risks, implement proven anti-fraud practices, and safeguard taxpayer-funded programs.

The bill directs the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to develop standardized training across agencies and make these resources available to state and local governments that administer federal funds.

“Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar taken away from the American people,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “Our bipartisan legislation will give federal, state, and local officials the tools they need to detect risks early, strengthen safeguards, and protect taxpayer funds—while ensuring that eligible Americans can access the services and support they’ve earned without unnecessary barriers. I’m proud to partner on this effort to deliver stronger accountability and smarter oversight across government.”

Congressman Grothman added, “Americans work hard for their money, and they expect their government to treat every tax dollar with respect. Unfortunately, fraud in federal programs is far too common—and often preventable. This legislation will help ensure federal employees have the training and tools they need to stop fraud before it happens and better protect taxpayer dollars.”

Background Information

The Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act requires the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with OMB and OPM, to establish a standardized, government-wide training program focused on fraud risk identification, implementation of leading anti-fraud practices, and proper use of existing tools such as the Do Not Pay system.

Currently, federal workforce policies lack a consistent, government-wide framework to train program administrators on fraud prevention, creating vulnerabilities in federal assistance and procurement programs. By institutionalizing modern fraud prevention training practices across the federal government—and extending those resources to state and local governments that administer federal funds—the legislation aims to strengthen oversight, reduce waste, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used as intended.

Reps. Jayapal and Khanna Introduce Bill to Ban Prior Authorization In Medicare Advantage Programs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

Washington, DC — Today, Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced the Stop Deadly Denials Act to no longer allow Medicare Advantage plans to require prior authorization for necessary medical items and services. The legislation would ensure patients are able to receive fair affordable coverage without added administrative burdens from prior authorization that frequently block care. 

“Medicare DisAdvantage makes it harder for patients to get the care they need – often leading to delays and denials of care that can be deadly. We’re now seeing the Trump Administration bring this tactic to Traditional Medicare as well, denying Americans care they need, and that they would have received before the implementation of the WISeR model. I’m leading the Stop Deadly Denials Act with Rep. Khanna because we must urgently ensure corporate insurers can’t deny care to those who need it. Patients, doctors, and advocates have been sounding the alarm about denials of care for years: it’s time for Congress to address these serious concerns,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal.

“It’s time we stop allowing Medicare Advantage to profit off the Medicare name while denying critical coverage,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. “Affordable quality healthcare is a human right. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Rep. Jayapal and stop Medicare Advantage from using prior authorization to delay and deny medically necessary care.”

“Since its inception, Medicare Advantage has gamed our health care system to profit off our seniors and people with disabilities,” said Jamie Brown, RN and NNU president. “Nurses applaud Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna for introducing the Stop Deadly Denials Act to put an end to prior authorization in Medicare Advantage. It’s time we take on corporate health insurers who use delaying and denying care to exploit our patients, and we have to stand firm in our commitment to ensure these same tactics are not used in Traditional Medicare. We must protect Medicare in our fight to pass Medicare for All!”

“Prior authorization is a tool used by Big Insurance to delay and deny care, often standing between patients and the care they need. By aligning Medicare Advantage with traditional Medicare, blocking harmful experiments like WISeR, and stopping the use of unaccountable algorithms to override physicians, this legislation will make it harder for Big Insurance to deny care to those who need it.  It also ensures transparency and accountability by requiring full public input before any future models move forward. We thank Congressman Ro Khanna for introducing this vital bill and urge Congress to pass it without delay,” said Rachel Madley, PhD, Executive Director, Center for Health and Democracy.

“Insurers shouldn’t be profiting from denying seniors the care that they need and are entitled to receive. We know that privatized Medicare plans overturn around 80 percent of their denial of care decisions upon appeal, but count on few enrollees filing those appeals. The privatized Medicare plans aggressively and mechanically deny requests for prior authorization because they know they can get away with it. The Stop Deadly Denials Act would finally put a stop to these practices and prevent perverse experiments that threaten to bring further prior authorization into Traditional Medicare,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President of Public Citizen. 

The Stop Deadly Denial Act: 

  • Eliminates prior authorization for all Medicare Advantage Part A and Part B services unless required in traditional Medicare. 
  • Blocks WISeR and any substantially similar prior authorization model in Traditional Medicare.
  • Prohibits CMMI from testing any prior authorization model that imposes prior authorization for Part A/B services, uses AI or algorithm-driven denials without physician review, or outsources prior authorization determinations outside Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs).
  • Requires CMS to use full notice-and-comment rulemaking for all future models starting in 2027. 

Read the full text of the legislation here.

Cosponsors: Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN), Representative Debby Dingell (D-MI), Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI) 

The full list of organizations that have endorsed the Stop Deadly Denials Act of 2026 include: National Nurses United (NNU), Centers for Health and Democracy, Public Citizen, Just Care USA, Social Security Works, the Labor Campaign for Single Payer, and Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action.

Issues:

Congressmen Cuellar, Castro Champion JBSA-Lackland as Top Candidate for SPACEFOR-CYBER Mission

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security and a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, welcomed the Department of the Air Force’s decision to name Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland as a candidate location for the SPACEFOR-CYBER mission and highlighted the region’s strategic role in cybersecurity and national defense.

The Air Force continues evaluating JBSA-Lackland alongside Fort George G. Meade to host a critical component supporting U.S. Cyber Command. The designation reflects San Antonio’s strong cyber workforce, advanced infrastructure, and leadership in military and intelligence operations.

If selected, the mission would generate new jobs, expand economic activity, and support long-term investment across South Texas. The effort would also strengthen the defense industrial base and reinforce supply chain resilience – key priorities that support military readiness.

“As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee and a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I’ve fought for investments that strengthen our military and support our communities,” said Congressman Cuellar. “San Antonio already anchors the Air Force’s cyber operations through the 16th Air Force at Lackland and continues to expand its cyber ecosystem with assets like Port San Antonio’s Cyber Innovation Center and the University of Texas at San Antonio’s National Security Collaboration Center. With a strong pipeline of talent and growing demand for cyber professionals nationwide, our region offers the workforce, infrastructure, and mission alignment needed to support SPACEFOR-CYBER. This opportunity would create jobs, drive investment, and strengthen our nation’s ability to respond to evolving cyber threats, and I’ll keep advocating for South Texas to lead in national security and innovation.”

“San Antonio is a national leader in cybersecurity and home to the second largest cybersecurity workforce. For years, my hometown, Military City, U.S.A. has invested millions in Joint Base San Antonios (JBSA)’s infrastructure’s projects, and in Congress I’ve pushed to protect JBSA. Our large cyber-workforce, UT San Antonio’s strong cyber presence, and our community’s readiness to work with the joint forces makes San Antonio the right selection for SPACEFOR-CYBER. I will push the Department of the Air Force to make San Antonio its new home,” said Congressman Castro.

San Antonio stands as one of the nation’s leading cybersecurity hubs, with a large concentration of cyber professionals supported by military, intelligence, industry, and academic partners. The region’s capabilities position it to support advanced cyber operations and contribute to national defense priorities.

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Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.

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Los congresistas Cuellar y Castro impulsan a JBSA-Lackland como principal candidato para la misión SPACEFOR-CYBER.
Miembros de San Antonio resaltan beneficios para la seguridad nacional y el crecimiento económico en el sur de Texas

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hoy, los congresistas Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), miembro de mayor rango del Subcomité de Asignaciones de la Cámara sobre Seguridad Nacional y miembro senior del Subcomité de Defensa, y Joaquin Castro (TX-20), miembro de mayor rango del Subcomité del Hemisferio Occidental del Comité de Asuntos Exteriores de la Cámara, dieron la bienvenida a la decisión del Departamento de la Fuerza Aérea de nombrar a la Base Conjunta San Antonio-Lackland como ubicación candidata para la misión SPACEFOR-CYBER y destacaron el papel estratégico de la región en ciberseguridad y defensa nacional.

La Fuerza Aérea continúa evaluando a JBSA-Lackland junto con Fort George G. Meade para albergar un componente crítico que apoye al Comando Cibernético de Estados Unidos. Esta designación refleja la sólida fuerza laboral en ciberseguridad de San Antonio, su infraestructura avanzada y su liderazgo en operaciones militares y de inteligencia.

De ser seleccionada, esta misión generaría nuevos empleos, impulsaría la actividad económica y apoyaría la inversión a largo plazo en el sur de Texas. Este esfuerzo también fortalecería la base industrial de defensa y reforzaría la resiliencia de la cadena de suministro, prioridades clave para mantener la preparación militar.

“Como miembro de mayor rango del Subcomité de Asignaciones sobre Seguridad Nacional y miembro senior del Subcomité de Defensa, he luchado por inversiones que fortalezcan a nuestras fuerzas armadas y apoyen a nuestras comunidades”, dijo el congresista Cuellar. “San Antonio ya lidera las operaciones cibernéticas de la Fuerza Aérea a través de la 16ª Fuerza Aérea en Lackland y continúa expandiendo su ecosistema cibernético con iniciativas como el Centro de Innovación Cibernética de Port San Antonio y el Centro de Colaboración en Seguridad Nacional de la Universidad de Texas en San Antonio. Con una sólida formación de talento y una creciente demanda de profesionales en ciberseguridad en todo el país, nuestra región ofrece la fuerza laboral, la infraestructura y la alineación de misión necesarias para apoyar SPACEFOR-CYBER. Esta oportunidad crearía empleos, impulsaría la inversión y fortalecería la capacidad de nuestra nación para responder a amenazas cibernéticas en evolución, y seguiré impulsando que el sur de Texas lidere en seguridad nacional e innovación.”

“San Antonio es un líder nacional en ciberseguridad y cuenta con la segunda mayor fuerza laboral en este sector. Durante años, mi ciudad natal, Military City, U.S.A., ha invertido millones en proyectos de infraestructura en la Base Conjunta San Antonio, y en el Congreso he trabajado para proteger JBSA. Nuestra amplia fuerza laboral en ciberseguridad, la sólida presencia en este campo de la Universidad de Texas en San Antonio y la disposición de nuestra comunidad para colaborar con las fuerzas conjuntas hacen de San Antonio la mejor opción para SPACEFOR-CYBER. Seguiré impulsando al Departamento de la Fuerza Aérea a seleccionar a San Antonio como su nueva sede”, dijo el congresista Castro.

San Antonio se mantiene como uno de los principales centros de ciberseguridad del país, con una gran concentración de profesionales respaldados por socios militares, de inteligencia, de la industria y del ámbito académico. Las capacidades de la región la posicionan para apoyar operaciones cibernéticas avanzadas y contribuir a las prioridades de defensa nacional.

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El congresista Henry Cuellar es miembro del Comité de Asignaciones de la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos. Anteriormente, fue Representante del Estado de Texas y Secretario de Estado de Texas.

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REP LIEU STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF DAVID SCOTT

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman David Scott (D-GA).

“Today, we mourn the loss of Congressman David Scott, who faithfully served the people of Georgia for more than 50 years. Congressman Scott was a tireless advocate for his constituents, especially the veterans in his community, and he worked relentlessly to reform the VA on their behalf. He was also a trailblazer as the first Black Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, where he advocated on behalf of America’s farmers and our agriculture sector. A dedicated public servant throughout his career, he achieved meaningful policy victories in both the Georgia statehouse and Congress by seeking common ground to improve the lives of his constituents and the American people. I join his family, friends, and colleagues in mourning this tremendous loss.”

PRESS RELEASE – CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN DAVID SCOTT

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

PRESS RELEASE – CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN DAVID SCOTT

Washington, D.C., April 22, 2026

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Alayah Phipps 

April 22, 2026                                                    202-813-2793 

PRESS RELEASE 

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN DAVID SCOTT 

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Congressman David Scott of Georgia: 

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague and friend, Congressman David Scott. For more than two decades in the United States Congress — and nearly fifty years in public service — David dedicated his life to the people of Georgia and to the nation he loved. 

“David was a trailblazer. Born on a farm in South Carolina and educated at Florida A&M University and the Wharton School of  Business, he rose from humble beginnings to make history as the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. In that role, he fought to protect our farmers, strengthen nutrition programs, and secure critical funding for our Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His legacy on that committee alone touched millions of American families. 

“As a fellow member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I witnessed firsthand David’s unwavering commitment to lifting up communities too often overlooked. David understood that public service is not about title — it is about showing up for people. 

“My prayers are with his wife Alfredia, his daughters Dayna and Marcye, his grandchildren, and the entire Scott family during this time of tremendous loss. The halls of Congress are quieter today, but David Scott’s legacy of service, faith, and perseverance will endure for generations to come.”

Larsen Leads Bill to Expand Access to Flu Vaccines

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) reintroduced legislation to strengthen the federal response to seasonal and pandemic influenza (“The Influenza Act”).

“Catching the flu can mean long-term health consequences, lost time at work and school, missed time with loved ones and in severe cases, death,” said Rep. Larsen. “Strengthening U.S. flu infrastructure is especially important in light of the ill-informed decision by the Secretary of Defense to no longer require flu shots for America’s servicemembers. Congress must take action to make sure flu vaccines are available for anyone who wants one and to prepare for future outbreaks.”

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has classified the ‘25-’26 flu season as a “high severity season for children,” estimating that 143 children have died from the flu so far. 85% of those children were not fully vaccinated against the flu.

Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Elenor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Shri Thanedar (MI-13) and Nanette Barragán (CA-44) have signed on as original cosponsors of the legislation.

The Coalition to Stop Flu also expressed its support for the Influenza Act:

“For far too long, our country has seemingly accepted tens of thousands of annual deaths from flu as inevitable — including the 293 children who lost their lives to flu last season,” said Tom Daschle, former Senate Majority Leader and Chairman of the Coalition to Stop Flu. “And pandemic influenza remains an extraordinary threat to our nation’s health and prosperity. More can, and must, be done. The Influenza Act provides commonsense solutions to improve our ability to prepare for and respond to seasonal and pandemic flu.”

“Physicians across Washington see firsthand the toll influenza takes on our patients, especially the most vulnerable,” said Bridget Bush, MD, FASA, President of the Washington State Medical Association. “The Washington State Medical Association supports the Influenza Act because it strengthens the tools we rely on—vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments—while expanding access and improving public confidence. This is a critical step toward reducing preventable illness and saving lives.”

What Does the Influenza Act Do?

The Influenza Act would build on the National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy to strengthen the federal government’s seasonal and pandemic influenza ecosystem.

The legislation would speed up vaccine development for new flu variants, invest in new flu detection technologies and authorize funding for federal programs that research influenza treatment and support critical health infrastructure. The bill would also require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to devise a strategy to distribute vaccines to areas that urgently need more supplies and conduct outreach efforts in rural communities about vaccine misinformation. The Influenza Act would strengthen efforts to develop an influenza vaccine that combats all flu variants. It also aims to address gaps in vaccine accessibility and confidence so that people understand the science supporting flu vaccines.

You can access the full text of the Influenza Act HERE.

You can access a one-pager on the Influenza Act HERE.

Why the Influenza Act Matters

Often underestimated, seasonal and pandemic flu are real and enduring challenges to public health. During the ‘24-’25 season, 293 children died from the flu nationwide, the highest recorded amount since the CDC started tracking the figure in 2004. For the current season, the CDC estimates as many as 31 million illnesses, 370,000 hospitalizations, and 23,000 deaths from the flu through April 11, 2026.

A recent study showed influenza cost the U.S. economy $29 billion from direct medical costs ($16 billion) and productivity losses ($13 billion) in the ’23-’24 flu season.

Larsen Works to Combat Flu and Disease Outbreaks

Rep. Larsen has long supported federal funding for seasonal and pandemic flu infrastructure. Larsen previously introduced the Influenza Act in 2023 and 2022. He also introduced two bills to better protect Americans from seasonal and pandemic flu in 2020. In 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Aviation Preparedness Plan Act, legislation that Larsen introduced to require the development of a national aviation preparedness plan for future public health emergencies.

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‘We Need to Get This Done’: Reps. Garamendi, Kelly & Maritime, Labor Leaders Call for SHIPS Act to Revitalize Maritime Industry

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee; Congressman Trent Kelly (R-MS-01), Chairman of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, Matt Paxton, President of the Shipbuilders Council of America, and Brian Schoeneman, Chairman of USA Maritime, held a joint press conference in support of the SHIPS for America Act to revitalize the maritime industry:

“Today, I am encouraged to see continued bipartisan consensus on the need to strengthen America’s maritime industry. The SHIPS Act will do exactly that. We are committed to securing passage of this legislation and to continuing the vital work of revitalizing our maritime sector,” said Congressman Garamendi. “Today’s hearing on shipbuilding is an encouraging sign of growing bipartisan momentum and interest in both revitalizing our nation’s shipbuilding industry and advancing the SHIPS Act. For over a year, we have seen promising progress, reflected in a growing coalition of supporters both on and off Capitol Hill, and we are confident that we can usher in a new era for American workers, shipbuilders, and our national security. I thank Chair Trent Kelly and the leadership on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, as well as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation for arranging this critical hearing.”

“We are a great nation because we are a great maritime nation. But for years, we’ve fallen behind in providing the maritime industry with the resources it needs. If we want to restore America’s maritime strength, it will take robust investment in our shipbuilding industry in both military and commercial. We need to put more American-built ships in the water—ships that carry goods, support our economy, and strengthen our security. We also must maintain those ships and ensure we have the workforce to crew and support U.S.-flagged vessels with American workers,” said Congressman Kelly. “We must push Congress, the Administration, industry, and all stakeholders to get this bill across the finish line. Time is of the essence. We need to take decisive steps and get this done.”

“American shipyards can and must build the fleet of the future right here at home, and the SHIPS for America Act is the catalyst we need to get us there,” said Matt Paxton, President of the Shipbuilders Council of America. “By aligning a national maritime strategy with stable investment, this bipartisan legislation recognizes the national security impact of our industry and would allow us to effectively counter global distortions in the shipbuilding and ship repair markets. We have the momentum, the industry backing, and the urgency to restore American shipbuilding and ship repair, and we look forward to continuing our work with Rep. John Garamendi and Rep. Trent Kelly to see this critical mission through.”

“The SHIPS for America Act represents the most meaningful maritime legislation in the last half century or more,” said Brian Schoeneman, Chair of USA Maritime. “The critical need for a vibrant U.S. Merchant Marine and a revitalized American maritime industry is on display daily.  We can’t afford to wait any longer.  It’s time to get it done.”

Representatives Garamendi and Kelly are co-authors of the SHIPS for America Act, comprehensive legislation designed to revitalize the United States’ shipbuilding capacity and commercial maritime sector.

Since the introduction of the SHIPS for America Act in December, the urgency of strengthening the nation’s shipbuilding capabilities has emerged as a matter of bipartisan priority. This focus has intensified following the USTR’s findings regarding China’s dominance in global shipbuilding, as well as President Trump’s signing of a shipbuilding-related executive order and the subsequent release of the Administration’s Maritime Plan.

Watch Rep. Kelly’s remarks HERE, Rep. Garamendi’s remarks HERE, and the full press conference HERE.

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Grothman and Krishnamoorthi Introduce Bipartisan Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act to Strengthen Accountability and Protect Taxpayer Dollars

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Today, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI), alongside Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act, legislation to establish a government-wide training program to better equip federal employees to identify fraud risks, implement proven anti-fraud practices, and safeguard taxpayer-funded programs.  

The bill directs the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to develop standardized training across agencies and make these resources available to state and local governments that administer federal funds. 

“Americans work hard for their money, and they expect their government to treat every tax dollar with respect,” said Congressman Grothman. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen time and again that fraud in federal programs is far too common, and often preventable. The problem isn’t just bad actors; it’s a system that hasn’t kept up with the scale of the challenge. 

“The Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act makes sure federal employees receive clear, consistent training on how to spot fraud before it happens and how to use the best tools available to stop it. It also extends that knowledge to state and local partners who administer federal programs on the front lines. This is about restoring accountability, protecting taxpayer dollars, and making government work in the best interest of the American people.” 

“Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar taken away from the American people,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “Our bipartisan legislation will give federal, state, and local officials the tools they need to detect risks early, strengthen safeguards, and protect taxpayer funds—while ensuring that eligible Americans can access the services and support they’ve earned without unnecessary barriers. I’m proud to partner on this effort to deliver stronger accountability and smarter oversight across government.” 

Background Information 

The Federal Fraud Prevention Workforce Training Act requires the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with OMB and OPM, to establish a standardized, government-wide training program focused on fraud risk identification, implementation of leading anti-fraud practices, and proper use of existing tools such as the Do Not Pay system. 

Currently, federal workforce policies lack a consistent, government-wide framework to train program administrators on fraud prevention, creating vulnerabilities in federal assistance and procurement programs. By institutionalizing modern fraud prevention training practices across the federal government, and extending those resources to state and local governments that administer federal funds, the legislation aims to strengthen oversight, reduce waste, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used as intended. 

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF DAVID SCOTT

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement upon the news of the death of Congressman David Scott:

Today, I join those throughout Georgia and across the country mourning the loss of a giant, Congressman David Scott. Born in the Jim Crow era, Congressman Scott went on to make history as the first African American to be Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture while fighting at every step along the way for the people he was privileged to represent.

Growing up as a child on a farm in a small town in South Carolina, Congressman Scott never forgot his humble roots and always supported our nation’s farmers throughout his public service journey. David championed rural communities, ranchers and producers while making sure that families across the country have access to affordable, nutritious food. 

Congressman Scott helped secure $150 million in scholarships for students attending 1890 African American Land-Grant colleges and universities. In recognition of David’s incredible legacy, his beloved Agriculture Committee has advanced legislation to permanently name these grants in his honor.

Throughout his decades-long tenure on the Financial Services Committee, he led numerous programs that have made a real difference in the lives of our nation’s homeowners, particularly those who struggled to keep a roof over their heads during the worst of the financial crisis. Among his many legislative accomplishments, Congressman Scott was particularly proud to fight for our nation’s veterans by ensuring that the Atlanta VA Medical Center provided the best possible care for our returning heroes.

Though he will be remembered by most for his barrier-breaking Congressional service, David started an advertising agency, produced and performed in a televised special about Langston Hughes and created and hosted a national radio show focused on Black American life. Truly a trailblazing Renaissance Man, he will be deeply missed by his constituents and his colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus. Our prayers are with his loved ones during this tremendously sad time. May David Scott forever rest in power.

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