MIL USHOR-2b Engine

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 after the release of Ksenia Karelina, a L.A. resident and U.S. Citizen unjustly held in Russia. 

“I am profoundly relieved that Ksenia Karelina, a U.S. citizen and constituent, has finally returned safely to the United States after being wrongfully detained in Russia for 15 months. Russia illegally detained her because she made a modest donation to a U.S.-based nonprofit supporting Ukraine. After more than a year of hardship, Ksenia can now begin the long process of healing and reclaiming her life. Today is a day of joy and gratitude for Ksenia, her loved ones, and the Southern California community.

“Our office and other advocates worked on her case, and we thank President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and the staff at the State Department for securing her release.

“And while we celebrate her return, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to bring home all Americans unjustly held abroad. Their freedom must continue to be a top diplomatic priority.

“Welcome home Ksenia!”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Rep. David Scott (GA-13) and Rep. Young Kim (CA-40), both senior members of the House Financial Services Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to address systemic entry barriers into our nation’s traditional banking sector.

The Financial Inclusion in Banking Act directs the Office of Community Affairs inside the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to focus attention on finding solutions for unbanked and underbanked populations in underserved communities. More importantly, the bill promotes stronger coordination between federal agencies, trade associations, and financial institutions to improve consumer access to banking.

“Every American deserves equal access to the financial tools and services that are essential for stability and opportunity. Today, millions of our fellow citizens remain unbanked or underbanked—lacking access to basic banking services like checking accounts, credit, and affordable loans,” said Rep. David Scott. Without access to safe and affordable financial services, individuals are often forced to rely on high-fee alternatives such as payday lenders or check-cashing services. The Financial Inclusion in Banking Act would provide significant relief for consumers who are forced to rely on these predatory options that drain hard-earned incomes and limit long-term financial growth. It’s not just a personal issue—it’s an economic and moral one that affects the health of our communities and the strength of our economy.”

“A an immigrant and small business owner, I’ve personally faced barriers to accessing capital and understanding what financial tools are available,” said Rep. Young Kim. “Every American deserves the opportunity to achieve their dream, and that starts with access to the right financial tools. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to bridge the information gap and expand access to financial opportunities for underserved communities. I will continue fighting to ensure that all Americans have the chance to build wealth and succeed.”

The Financial Inclusion in Banking Act would redirect the CFPB’s Office of Community Affairs to work alongside banks, minority depository institutions, fintech companies and  consumer groups, among others, to: 

·         Conduct research on barriers to financial inclusion and identify hurdles under- and un-banked Americans face when maintaining a sustainable relationship with banks;

·         Identify best practices to increase participation of underbanked and unbanked consumers in the traditional banking sector;

·         Develop new and innovative strategies to improve financial education for underserved consumers; and

·         Submit a report to Congress highlighting legislative and regulatory recommendations to promote participation in the traditional banking system.

Full text can be viewed HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brian Babin (R-TX)

House Republicans Pass the SAVE Act to Secure America’s Elections

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1) joined Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) today in introducing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act to target the rise in theft, fraud, and other organized crimes against retail stores and various components of the supply chain across America. This bipartisan, bicameral bill establishes a coordinated multi-agency response and creates new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail theft to combat these criminal operations.

“By establishing a coordinated federal response, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would target the criminals who endanger consumers, local businesses, and transportation networks, along with the nefarious transnational groups that fund their operations,” said Congresswoman Titus. “This legislation will help law enforcement better pursue and prosecute these bad actors, while protecting businesses and saving consumer dollars.’

“Businesses throughout my district are facing the burdens of a rise in organized retail crimes and fraud schemes that are sweeping the nation,” said Congressman Joyce. “These criminal organizations are not only harming small businesses and retailers in our communities, but are also putting American consumers at risk of violence and fraud. These crimes also have more widespread consequences for public safety, as these organized groups often resell stolen goods to finance other illicit activities, including drug and human trafficking operations. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will give law enforcement the tools they need to put a stop to these rampant crimes.”

Congresswoman Titus joined six other members of the House in co-leading the legislation. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is supported by the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, Home Depot, UPS, the Intermodal Association of North America, the Association of American Railroads, the International Council of Shopping Centers,  the American Trucking Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Reusable Packaging Association, DHL, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the National Milk Producers Foundation, the Transportation Intermediaries Association, the PASS (Protect America’s Small Sellers) Coalition, the International Downtown Association, Amazon, the World Shipping Council, Pirate Ship, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Walgreens Co., CVS Health, Kroger, Walmart, and Target.

Background

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This Coordination Center will allow increased collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, along with retail crime associations and subject matter experts, to create a cohesive strategy to combat these crimes and share valuable resources.

According to the National Retail Federation, retail larceny incidents increased by 93 percent from 2019 to 2023, including a 90 percent increase in actual dollar loss. Stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023, compared to $93.9 billion in 2021, $61.7 billion in 2019, and $46.8 billion in 2017. In 2023, 84 percent of retailers reported that violence and aggression were a greater concern than in 2022. At the same time, product manufacturers and the supply chain are experiencing a rise in organized cargo theft across rails, roads, and the various distribution points across the United States. CargoNet reported a 27 percent increase in cargo theft incidents in 2024 over 2023. These crimes are often orchestrated by organized groups that resell stolen goods through physical and online marketplaces, further fueling illicit profits and financing additional criminal enterprises. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act seeks to address these challenges by enhancing legal frameworks, improving enforcement capabilities, and fostering coordination across federal, state, and local agencies. The legislation responds to the limitations of state-level efforts, which struggle with resource constraints and the interstate and international nature of organized retail and supply chain crime, and it aims to safeguard commerce, consumer confidence, and national security.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in favor of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, legislation that would uphold and strengthen current law by permitting only U.S. citizens to vote in federal elections. The bill passed the U.S. House on Thursday and now advances to the U.S. Senate.

“This legislation makes it clear: only American citizens are allowed to vote in American elections, plain and simple. This is a cornerstone of our democracy,” said Rep. Kelly. “In recent years, Democrat-led cities have allowed non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. American citizens — and only American citizens — should decide American elections.”

BACKGROUND

• The SAVE Act requires states to obtain proof of citizenship – in person – before registering an individual to vote in an election.
• Requires states to remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls, while giving them necessary tools to do so.
• This legislation passed the House in a bipartisan vote (221 – 198) during the 118th Congress before being blocked by Senate Democrats.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Dave Min (CA-47) introduced the Employee Limits ON Profiteering Act (ELON Profiteering Act) that would prevent special government employees like Elon Musk from receiving any federal contracts, grants and awards, similar to prohibitions for most government workers. 

“Elon Musk should not profit off his official position as he gains unlimited access to the inner workings of the U.S. government,” said Castor. “Conflict of interest laws should apply to him just as they apply to all government employees. Musk has built a vast business empire with the help of extensive government contracts, and he should not be able to use his position as the head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency to boost the bottom line of his companies.  He should not be allowed to profit through special access and information gained as a special government employee. Special government employees – like all public servants –should put the taxpayer’s interests before their personal interests.”

Castor continued, “We need ethical guardrails to ensure that there are no blurred lines between private profit and public power. Since Republicans in the U.S. House, Senate, and White House refuse to hold Musk accountable, I have introduced the ELON Profiteering Act with Rep. Min to prevent certain current and future special government employees from profiting off of unchecked conflicts of interest.”

“No one is above the law, and no one should be using the federal government for their personal gain,” said Rep. Min. “Elon Musk, an unelected and unvetted billionaire, is using the government to enrich himself and his companies, all while gutting federal programs that millions of Americans rely on like Social Security and Medicaid. I’m proud to join Rep. Castor to demand more oversight.”

Full text of the legislation can be viewed here.

To date, Elon Musk has profited from: 

Most federal employees are generally prohibited from receiving grants or contracts with the government. This government policy helps avoid any conflict of interest that might arise between the personal or direct business interests of an individual and their duties as a government employee. Congress created the “special government employee” position to allow experts, professionals, and other knowledgeable Americans to serve our country in a limited capacity, but it appears that Musk has exploited his position and intends to profit from it.

The prohibition in this legislation would extend to the special government employees’ spouses and children, as well as to any organization where the employee serves as an officer, director, trustee, general partner or employee.

This legislation is endorsed by Project on Government Oversight (POGO), Public Citizen and State Democracy Defenders.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement after the House adopted the budget resolution.   

“Today’s final adoption of the budget resolution reflects both chambers’ collective commitment to enacting President Trump’s full agenda as quickly as possible to fulfill our promises to the American people.

“By clearing this critical hurdle, House committees can now work in tandem with Senate committees to swiftly prepare their respective parts of the reconciliation bill, keeping us on track for markups during the next work period.

“This process will require close consultation with the White House to ensure that the final bill reflects our shared priorities, resulting in a product that can pass both chambers and be signed into law by President Trump. It is essential that every member of our conference remains engaged and stays laser-focused on delivering one big, beautiful bill to the President’s desk.

“We will not waver in our commitment to delivering a bill that reduces spending, secures the border, keeps taxes low for families and job creators, restores American energy dominance, reestablishes peace through strength, and makes government work better for all Americans.

“With the debt limit deadline approaching, border security resources dwindling, markets in flux, and the looming threat of the largest tax increase on working families, we are racing against the clock. The American people are counting on us, and failure is not an option.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the passage of the House Republican Budget.
 
“I voted against the House Republican Budget today.

“We need a budget that strengthens the working class and middle-class. We need a budget that helps American families access affordable health care, improves kids’ access to nutritious meals at school, and sets American workers up for success.

“Instead, House Republicans have offered a budget that rips away health care access for tens of thousands in Washington’s Ninth Congressional District, raises the costs on groceries for Washingtonian families, and jeopardizes education for many Americans.

“Even worse, their plan cuts these programs for low-income and middle-income Americans to increase tax breaks for billionaires.

“Additionally, this House Republican Budget raises the debt by $5 trillion dollars, adding to the $36 trillion dollar debt that continues to climb annually.

“No family in America should lose their health care coverage or have a child go hungry to pad the pockets of the rich. This is a senseless budget and I am adamantly opposed.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Smith (D- Wash.) released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 22, The SAVE Act.
 
“I voted no on the bill that disenfranchises millions of Americans, also known as the “SAVE” Act.

“The right to vote in free and fair elections is one of the most important foundations of our democracy.

“The SAVE Act takes us backwards by stripping voting away from millions of Americans who should be able to vote, from overseas servicemembers to married women who changed their names. If this policy becomes law, it will disenfranchise over a million women in Washington State, disenfranchise servicemembers deployed overseas, and could cost Washingtonians over $361 million just to register to vote.

“I am committed to safeguarding the fundamental right to vote. Congress has a responsibility to protect this constitutional right, and we must do more to ensure all Americans have their voices heard at the ballot box.”

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

April 10, 2025 | Press ReleasesLegislation Protects the Independence of Our Nation’s Nonprofit Organizations
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the Safeguarding Charity Act to clarify that tax-exempt organizations should not be treated as recipients of federal financial assistance. The legislation protects tax-exempt organizations from a perilous line of litigation in federal courts that could subject every church, nonprofit, and private school in America to burdensome federal regulations.“Radical judges do not have the authority to twist federal law and force religious institutions to choose between their convictions and compliance,” said Rep. Steube. “The Safeguarding Charity Actreaffirms that tax-exempt status does not mean an organization is receiving federal financial assistance. This bill is about protecting churches, religious schools, and charities from federal overreach. I’m grateful to Senator Lankford for his leadership on this important effort in the Senate.”U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.“Tax-exempt organizations should not live in fear of federal control every day because courts want to redefine the meaning of tax-exempt status. Tax-exempt status is not the same as receiving federal funding, and it should not be used as political leverage against the nonprofits that feed, clothe, house, and counsel those in need in Oklahoma and across the nation,” said Senator Lankford. “We should be focused on enabling the work of these organizations—not burdening them with unnecessary and costly federal requirements.”Supporting organizations include: Alliance Defending Freedom, Philanthropy Roundtable, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Agudath Israel of America, Seventh-day Adventist Church, American Association of Christian Schools,Association for Biblical Higher Education, Association of Christian Schools International, Family Research Council, Citygate Network, Christian Employers Alliance, and National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.Alliance Defending Freedom“Charities and other nonprofits provide invaluable services to their communities. In part to recognize their critical work, nonprofits are tax-exempt so that they can devote scarce resources to serving those in need. Until recently, no one really thought that their tax-exempt status was the sort of “federal financial assistance” that triggered the application of several burdensome federal statutes and regulations. But some courts have embraced this unfounded view, and Congress needs to set things straight. Let’s be clear: a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status should not be considered government funding and thus should not trigger multiple burdensome federal laws under which charities and other nonprofits could lose their tax-exempt status. ADF commends Sen. Lankford and Rep. Steube for introducing the Safeguarding Charity Act to protect nonprofits from these financially crushing burdens so that nonprofits can continue to serve their communities free from unfair and unexpected government overreach.” – Greg Baylor, ADF Senior Counsel Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission“The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) strongly supports the Safeguarding Charity Act, which provides essential clarification that tax-exempt status is not equivalent to receiving federal financial assistance. Recent court decisions have wrongly conflated these two ideas, endangering vital religious liberty protections and subjecting churches and faith-based nonprofits to harmful, undue federal regulations. The ERLC urges Congress to uphold this longstanding precedent and protect religious organizations’ freedom to operate in accordance with their faith, free from government interference.” – Brent Leatherwood, ERLC President.Association of Christian Schools International“ACSI commends Senator Lankford and Congressman Steube for their leadership in introducing the Safeguarding Charity Act. This legislation is critical to set the record straight: an organization’s non-profit status is not the receipt of federal financial assistance. It never has been. It is not now. Politically motivated lawsuits based on this false premise must stop, or else all non-profits will be at risk. We urge every member of Congress to support the Safeguarding Charity Act.” – P. George Tryfiates, VP for Public Policy and Legal Affairs at the Association of Chrisitan Schools International.Agudath Israel of America“Agudath Israel of America is pleased to support the ‘Safeguarding Charity Act (SCA),’ introduced by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Representative Greg Steube (R-FL). This legislation is vitally important to nonprofits across the country, including synagogues, religious schools and charities within the Jewish community.  It will enshrine into law that which has generally been understood that ‘tax-exempt status’ does not constitute ‘federal financial assistance.’” – Rabbi Abba Cohen, VP for Government Affairs of Agudath Israel of America
Read full bill text here.