MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus, today issued the following statement on President Trump’s executive order asking artificial intelligence companies to provide the federal government with early access to models on a voluntary basis:

“The risks posed by frontier AI models and their advanced cyber capabilities are real and demand serious attention, but this executive order falls short of providing a credible framework to manage those risks. As it is written, this order continues to allow companies to release powerful models to the public without undergoing meaningful evaluation or review. This largely voluntary and classified approach is simply not sufficient.

“Equally concerning is absence of clear guidance on how identified threats would be addressed. While this order creates channels to surface potential risks, it fails to define procedures for responding to them once identified. It also opens the door to redirecting existing federal grant funding toward AI vulnerability efforts without clear safeguards or accountability.

“This is underwhelming policy that mirrors the Trump Administration’s broader pattern of creating a wild west environment for AI development, rather than ensuring safe and responsible governance to protect the American public.”

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) serves as co-Chair of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus. He was one of a handful of members selected to serve on the bipartisan Task Force On Artificial Intelligence, convened by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Speaker Mike Johnson. He is the author of the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act and a lead cosponsor of the CREATE AI Act, the Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act, and the Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act.

Beyer previously served for eight years on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and is currently attending George Mason University as a part time student pursuing a master’s degree in machine learning, in part to help inform his work on AI in Congress.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon, Pappas, Blumenthal Introduce New Comprehensive Legislation to Crack Down on Claim Sharks Scamming Veterans 

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (CT) announced their new comprehensive legislation to hold claims sharks and other predatory actors accountable for exploiting veterans and survivors’ earned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.

The lawmakers’ Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act would make explicit that only VA-accredited individuals can assist veterans with VA benefit claims and reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans extortionate fees for assistance with VA disability claims—a service provided for free by VA and accredited nonprofits. While current law prohibits this activity, predatory actors have used loopholes to avoid prosecution and federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law without criminal penalties.

“In recent years, numerous complaints have been raised about benefit‑assistance companies that target veterans with aggressive marketing practices, charge unauthorized or excessive fees, and provide misleading information about VA benefits. No veteran should be taken advantage of while trying to access the benefits they earned serving our country,” said Congressman Bacon. “These concerns underscore the urgent need for stronger protections and real accountability for bad actors. Predatory claim sharks undermine trust in the VA process and can leave veterans paying unauthorized fees for help they should be able to receive from accredited representatives. I’m grateful to work with Rep. Pappas on the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to strengthen consumer protections, restore real consequences for bad actors, and make sure veterans know where to turn for trusted help.”

“Veterans seeking to access their benefits should not face another battle to do so. Unaccredited, for-profit companies are scamming veterans of their earned benefits under the guise of helping them and they must be stopped,” said Congressman Pappas. “This legislation is about transparency for veterans so they know the resources and help available to them when they apply for benefits, and accountability for for-profit claim sharks that are breaking the law and exploiting legal loopholes to defraud them. I’m glad to be working with Senator Blumenthal, veterans, veterans’ service organizations, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this issue. I won’t stop fighting to reinstate criminal penalties on these illegal business practices and safeguard the benefits veterans have earned.”

“Veterans need protection against claims sharks and other predatory scammers who are stealing millions in hard-earned benefits,” said Senator Blumenthal.  “Our legislation will close loopholes and impose strict criminal penalties— deterring as well as punishing bad actors. There should be zero tolerance for exploitive tactics robbing veterans of funds they well deserve and need to live. I hope this measure will have bipartisan backing.”

The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would:

• Reestablish criminal penalties for unaccredited claims representatives scamming veterans;

• Prohibit VA accreditation of any person found guilty of unauthorized solicitation, charging, or receiving compensation for assisting with VA benefit claims;

• Close loopholes exploited by unaccredited actors to skirt federal prohibitions on unaccredited agents assisting veterans with VA benefit claims;

• Prohibit the use of robocall technology to obtain VA claims information—targeting claim sharks who spam VA call centers to gain unauthorized access to veterans’ claims information;

• Require VA to establish a system to track accredited agents and where veterans can report scammers; and

• Increase warnings to veterans about claim sharks and other predatory practices of unaccredited agents.

“Our veterans sacrificed so much to defend us and our freedoms – the least we can do is protect the benefits they earned and deserve,” said Congresswoman Bynum. “I am proud to introduce the bipartisan SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to crack down on claim sharks preying on veterans and taking their benefits. Let’s pass this bill and ensure our heroes in need of assistance can access it without the risk of being scammed.”

“We must reinstate strong criminal penalties for bad actors who illegally charge veterans for VA claims, while requiring accredited or supervised representation, strengthening enforcement, and expanding outreach so veterans can access free, trusted assistance. Veterans who served our country should never be charged unauthorized fees or misled by companies seeking to profit off the benefits they earned,” said Congressman Lawler.

The lawmakers’ legislation builds on bipartisan efforts to hold unaccredited entities accountable and a NPR investigation that revealed private companies continue to make millions by extorting veterans, despite knowing their actions are likely illegal. It also comes on the heels of a U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina summary judgement ruling that unaccredited companies are considered agents and are subject to the federal ban on charging veterans for assistance with preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits. Some states have passed legislation authorizing the practice of charging for assistance with VA claims. The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act includes state laws preemption regarding recognition, fee agreements, or authority to charge for assistance with the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of VA benefit claims.

In the House, Bacon was joined by Reps. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Bill Keating (MA-08), Dina Titus (NV-03), Vindman (VA-08), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). In the Senate, the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The legislation is also supported by National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and The American Legion.

“NACVSO supports the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 and its efforts to restore integrity within the VA claims process,” said NACVSO President Andrew Tangen. “VA-accredited representatives operate under federal oversight, training requirements, and ethical standards designed to protect veterans, while unaccredited claims agents have increasingly exploited enforcement gaps while profiting from veteran injuries and illnesses. This legislation takes bad profit incentives away from unscrupulous claims agents by restoring criminal penalties for unauthorized assistance, improving transparency, modernizing accreditation oversight, and increasing awareness of predatory practices. No veteran should ever have to pay for initial claim services and those who have illegally profited must be held accountable.”

“For too long, unaccredited claims consultants have exploited veterans and survivors by charging excessive, unlawful fees for assistance they are not authorized to provide. The SAFEGUARD Veterans Act restores accountability, strengthens protections for veterans navigating the VA claims process, and reinforces the critical role of accredited veterans service organizations, attorneys, and claims agents who are held to rigorous standards,” said MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret). “MOAA applauds lawmakers for introducing this important legislation to preserve the integrity of the VA benefits system and ensure veterans are not targeted by predatory actors seeking to profit off of service-earned benefits.”

“DAV strongly supports the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act to help combat a serious and ongoing threat: unethical individuals who prey on veterans navigating the complex VA claims process and charge fees for help that should be free and accredited. By reinstating criminal penalties for unaccredited claims assistance, streamlining the accreditation process, and making public those who have been barred from VA accreditation, this bill puts teeth back into protections that veterans need, deserve, and have earned. Passage of this legislation would demonstrate our nation’s unwavering commitment to honor and protect all who have served because every veteran deserves strong, honest advocacy when seeking earned benefits—not opportunists seeking to profit,” said DAV National Service Director Scott Hope.

Background

Unaccredited claims representatives, or claim sharks, are not subject to VA standards. They strategically advertise their services to avoid regulatory oversight and as a result, may engage in predatory and unethical practices that target veterans and rob them of their VA benefits. Federal laws and regulations prohibit anyone from assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a VA benefit claim, or charging a fee for this assistance, without accreditation from VA. However, VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce existing law because explicit criminal penalties were stripped from statute nearly two decades ago. This has contributed to the proliferation of unaccredited claims representatives in recent years.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) along with Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that they led a public comment letter to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) highlighting significant environmental and safety concerns at FCI Dublin in Dublin, California and voicing strong opposition to the reopening of FCI Dublin to detain noncitizens. This public comment comes after BOP released its Environmental Assessment (EA) of FCI Dublin as part of efforts to permanently deactivate and close the facility. 

In the letter, the members wrote, “We support the decision to permanently close FCI Dublin and recognize the EA’s findings that the property is unsafe, environmentally compromised, and would require substantial public investment to restore it to habitable condition. At the same time, although the EA evaluates the impacts of BOP ceasing operations at the facility, identifying numerous significant environmental hazards and unresolved contamination concerns, it does not sufficiently assess what is reasonably foreseeable to occur after closure, including continued vacancy, transfer, redevelopment, demolition, or repurposing of the site. Nor does it adequately address the environmental and public health implications associated with those potential outcomes.  

Given the substantial evidence of contamination, environmental degradation, and unresolved data gaps identified throughout the EA, it would be irresponsible and scientifically unsound for BOP to proceed to a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) without additional environmental review and mitigation planning. Instead, due to previously stated reasons, as well as the long history of staff sexual misconduct at the facility, we support demolishing FCI Dublin. We also strongly oppose any efforts to transfer ownership of the facility to an entity that will utilize it for immigration detention.”

In addition to requesting that the BOP address deficiencies in the report, the Members urged that, “[t]o ensure that the proposed action complies with NEPA and adequately protects public health and environmental safety, we respectfully urge BOP to:

• Pause the current timeline for issuance of any Finding of No Significant Impact pending additional environmental review; 
• Conduct further environmental investigation regarding unresolved contamination concerns, including unexploded ordnance, radiological hazards, underground storage tanks, and sewer system contamination; 
• Prepare a comprehensive Mitigation Action Plan addressing demolition, remediation, containment, and long-term environmental monitoring; 
• Fully analyze reasonably foreseeable post-closure outcomes, including prolonged vacancy, transfer, redevelopment, demolition, or repurposing of the facility; 
• Evaluate the potential environmental and community impacts associated with future reuse of the site, including potential conversion to another detention facility or immigration detention center; and 
• Evaluate demolition of the facility and full remediation of the property as a reasonable alternative under NEPA.”

 

The full text of the letter can be found here. The letter was also signed by Representatives Julia Brownley (CA-26), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Dave Min (CA-47), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-At Large), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Brad Sherman (CA-30), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12).  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Washington, D.C – Following reports that the Trump administration will allow Chinese-owned automakers to continue selling vehicles in the United States, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens is renewing her calls for stronger protections against Chinese-connected vehicles entering the American market.

Her legislation with Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, the Protecting America From Chinese Cars Act, would close loopholes that could allow Chinese-connected vehicles to enter the U.S. through Canada or Mexico and strengthen safeguards against national security threats tied to foreign adversary-controlled automotive technology.

“Michigan workers should not be forced to compete against heavily subsidized vehicles tied to the Chinese Communist Party,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “American roads should not be open to foreign adversary technology that threatens our national security and undercuts our manufacturing base. As China works to expand its influence in the global auto market, Congress must act to close loopholes and ensure Chinese-connected vehicles cannot enter the United States unchecked.”

Here’s what Michiganders are seeing about Rep. Haley Stevens and Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s push to protect national security and Michigan manufacturing:

Fox 2 News:  Michigan lawmakers push for bill to ban Chinese-made cars

• Senator Elissa Slotkin and Congresswoman Haley Stevens talking about bipartisan legislation to make sure that Chinese EV car companies can’t just dump cars here for two reasons: one, it’s bad for our security, our cybersecurity, because those cars can take pictures of sensitive places all across the country, but also, because of our economy.
• Senator Slotkin: “Everyone says American cars collect the same information. Yes, but they’re also American companies that are subject to American laws. The Chinese Communist Party is not.”
• Senator Slotkin: “They cheat. They subsidize their cars so that they’re super cheap. They come into a market, like Michigan, they undersell everybody and destroy the local industry, and we’ve got 500,000 jobs here in Michigan with the auto industry.”
• “We’ve got to push on these bills and wake up our colleagues across the country to the needs of the industrial Midwest, to the Michigan manufacturing moment that we find ourselves in. So goes Michigan, so goes the country.”

Fox 2 News: Discussing the push to ban Chinese vehicles in American market

• Senator Slotkin: “It’s just banning Chinese cars from coming over our bridges and tunnels and over our Southern border.”
• Senator Slotkin: “We’re just seeing the Chinese industry purposefully floods countries like Mexico, like Germany, and completely destroy the local industry.”
• “And they’re not playing by our trade rules, which is the biggest problem. This is a quarter of a century of China being in the World Trade Organization and exploiting open free market capitalism to the gain of their Chinese Communist Party.”
• “[Donald Trump] campaigned on saying that he was going to take on China, that he was going to be tough on China. And instead, as Senator Slotkin just mentioned, he started a trade war with Canada. We in Michigan have all paid the price for that.”

The Detroit News: Slotkin, Stevens seek ban on Chinese vehicles, even for day trips

By: Grant Schwab

• Democratic U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens announced a joint effort Wednesday to ban all entry of Chinese nameplate vehicles from Canada and Mexico into the United States, even for temporary visits to border cities in states like Michigan, California and Texas.
• Senator Elissa Slotkin: “I’ve called them surveillance packages on wheels. What’s to stop them from taking full-motion video, or LiDAR geolocation on our sensitive infrastructure sites, our military bases, and seeing the geolocation of individual leaders who are driving in these things?”
• “We have to recognize that state-owned enterprises that exploit open, free-market capitalism and our industrial sector are a real danger to the United States and to Michigan’s manufacturing base.”
• “I’m not going to allow Michigan, as one of just a handful of states in the country whose central economic driver is manufacturing, to get steamrolled by bad trade practices. We’ve got to put Michigan first.”

WJR: U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Congresswoman Haley Stevens join Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson live at the Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss the ban they’re seeking on Chinese vehicles, even for temporary entry

By: Chris Renwick & Lloyd Jackson

• “We’re taking a step to address the national security consideration with Chinese technologies and automobiles, and also the economic point of this.”
• “We’re gonna be aggressive, here, because Michigan jobs are on the line, but also so is national security. So, close our border to Chinese vehicles and Chinese technology in the vehicles, even for day trips. That’s how aggressive we believe we need to be right now.”
• “I’ve spoken to the Canadian Ambassador about the need for us to protect our borders, codify trade rules and laws so that we aren’t exploited. Because what China does is they exploit the free market at the expense of all of our jobs. They do not play by the rules; they never have.”
• Senator Slotkin: “They can certainly come across the border, drive up to Selfridge Air Force base, take some video with the car. The car is a traveling surveillance package, right. And all of that data that the car is collecting is being sent straight back to Beijing.”

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today applauded the inclusion of his Horse Transportation Safety Act in the markup of the five-year surface transportation bill.  The measure was included as an amendment and prohibits transport of equines in double-deck trailers. The same amendment also prohibits transportation of equines for slaughter and human consumption.

Congressman Cohen has long championed the humane treatment of horses and was named the Humane Society of the United States’ Humane Horseman of the Year in 2022.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Horses deserve to be transported in as humane a manner as possible. Double-deck trailers do not provide adequate headroom for adult horses, and accidents involving double-deck trailers are a terrifying reminder that the practice is also dangerous to the driving public. Transporting horses can be precarious even in the best of circumstances, and we should not compound the risks with unsafe double-deck trailers.”

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

June 02, 2026 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the House companion to Senator Rick Scott’s (R-Fla.) Stop ANTIFA Act, legislation to designate ANTIFA as a domestic terrorist organization, codify President Trump’s executive actions targeting the group, and direct federal agencies to investigate and dismantle ANTIFA’s violent operations.
“ANTIFA has spent years terrorizing communities, attacking law enforcement officers, and targeting ICE agents,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “These are not peaceful protesters. They are organized extremists who use violence and intimidation to advance a radical political agenda. The Stop ANTIFA Act ensures the federal government has the tools necessary to dismantle these violent networks and hold those responsible accountable.”
“Antifa has gotten away with its evils and terrorized cities across our country for far too long. Violence against our brave law enforcement officers and ICE agents will not be tolerated—especially when it’s domestic terrorists like Antifa wreaking havoc on our communities. These people actively work to destroy the American way of life and call for the overthrow of American government and society. President Trump was right to fearlessly call them out as the domestic terrorists they are and to take action to stop their evils around the nation and uncover the funding behind it. I am proud to codify the president’s actions and stand with the American people with the Stop ANTIFA Act,”said Senator Rick Scott.
The Stop ANTIFA Act would designate ANTIFA as a domestic terrorist organization and require all relevant federal agencies to investigate and dismantle its operations. The legislation directs the National Joint Terrorism Task Force to coordinate a national strategy to investigate entities engaged in political violence and intimidation, disrupt financial networks supporting domestic terrorism, and strengthen enforcement efforts across the federal government.
Additionally, the legislation requires the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to designate domestic terrorism as a national priority area.
Background: According to the White House, ANTIFA is a militant anarchist movement that advocates for the overthrow of the United States Government and engages in organized political violence, assaults on law enforcement officers, attacks on ICE agents, riots, and intimidation campaigns.
The Stop ANTIFA Act codifies President Trump’s executive order designating ANTIFA as a domestic terrorist organization and directing federal agencies to counter organized political violence.
Read the bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Honors American Samoa’s Esteemed Elders

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata was humbled and appreciative to be invited to deliver remarks to our seniors, and communicate how valued, trusted, and respected they are in American Samoa. She thanked Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula, as they both joined the Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) at the TAOA Center in celebrating Older Americans Month 2026, highlighting the importance of seniors in communities, as well as the necessity of dependable government services that honor their lifetime of service to their loved ones, jobs, churches and more. 

TAOA Center event

“Longevity of life stands as a testament to divine grace for those who revere God. Your careful guidance protects and shapes the next generation. Thank you for your continuous prayers and unwavering support to our country’s collective responsibilities,” said Congresswoman Amata in her remarks in the Samoan language. “Our senior citizens are a profound gift, anchoring our nations and lighting up the entire world with their lifelong wisdom. Led by wisdom they approach, shielded by prudence they find refuge, and stilled by patience they dwell in peace.”

She continued, “We extend our sincere congratulations to Director Paopao, Deputy Director Seumanutafa, Reverend Fetaia’i Fui, and particularly the staff of TAOA. We are deeply grateful for your exemplary service and compassionate dedication to our elderly community.”

Amata appreciates the desire for renewed vouchers in relation to the hot meal program, and will continue working that issue in Washington while collaborating with Director Paopao and ASG, as she supports program funding for TAOA.

Throughout the year, if you have questions about these or other issues, Congresswoman Amata’s staff will often be able to provide that answer, or look into it, so reach out to our office in Fagatogo.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Highlights $96,750 HHS Grant Supporting Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs  

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen is highlighting a federal grant award of $96,750 to the American Samoa Department of Health through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Congresswoman Amata with RFK jr and wife

The grant is awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under the Family Professional Partnership for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program. The funding supports efforts to strengthen communication and coordination among families, health care providers, and community organizations, helping ensure that children and youth with special health care needs receive responsive care and improved access to services and resources.

“Congratulations to Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, Project Director Ipuniuesea Eliapo-Unutoa, and the entire Department of Health team upon this grant award,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and strong partnerships between families, medical providers, educators, and community organizations play an important role in helping children receive the care and support they need.”

The Family Professional Partnership program encourages family engagement in health care planning and decision-making while helping improve access to services, information, and resources for families of children and youth with special health care needs.

“This grant reflects the importance of supporting families as active partners in health care,” Amata continued. “I appreciate the work of Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, Project Director Ipuniuesea Eliapo-Unutoa, the Department of Health team, and the many professionals, caregivers, and advocates who serve children and families every day in the territory.”

The grant, identified as H84 – Family Professional Partnership/CSHCN, was awarded to the American Samoa Department of Health for the current project period.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

Headline: Amata Update on Deep Seabed Mining Opposition 

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, in response to several questions from constituents, is providing the following update that continues her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near American Samoa, and her ongoing reasons for opposing. 

“I want to emphasize several key points as the federal government is currently conducting the environmental review required by law under the DOI/BOEM process that controls the Federal waters outside of American Samoa from 3-to-200 miles offshore. 

“First, federal officials must follow the law and not contemplate any shortcuts just because we are a territory and not a state. 

“Second, there cannot be a rush to potential destructive consequences for our oceans, so we need a full and thorough environmental impact statement (EIS) completely based on science, not politics. 

“Third, there are many unresolved scientific questions surrounding deep-sea mineral activity, including the potential impacts beyond the mineral extraction sites through sediment movement — known as sediment ‘plumes.’ Since the impact of these are unknown, we have reasonable concerns that this could be catastrophic to fish stocks. Not only does American Samoa rely on healthy fish stocks for our economy, but they are a part of national and even global food security. 

“Fourth, I don’t see how the Feds can analyze these new mining processes and their impacts on us in just a few weeks, so I will work to make sure there is a diligent and environmentally thorough process. Further, I will do everything in my power to stop this in its tracks if all legal and environmental hurdles are not well cleared. I don’t see how any legitimate environmental review can ever be done in mere weeks, so that may well become the best case for a challenge once we see the environmental review results, which are expected in a few months according to BOEM and DOI. 

“Finally, vigilance by all is required now more than ever, and I will as always keep you posted to any new developments.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (38th District of CA)

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Trump administration proposed a new 25 percent tariff on Brazil:

“This confirms what we knew from the start: President Trump’s Section 301 investigation was never about assessing the facts. It was a sham to impose more tariffs on Brazil.

“Trump has been threatening tariffs to pressure Brazil since returning to office. This is not about trade disputes. This is to undermine democracy and free his ally, former President Bolsonaro, after his own failed coup attempt. Even last week, Trump hosted Bolsonaro’s son at the White House who is running to oust President Lula’s government in Brazil’s upcoming election.

“Trump is using tariffs to settle political scores and Americans are paying the price. He is raising costs for working families while damaging American credibility abroad. Congress created the Section 301 process to protect American workers, not to settle the president’s personal grievances.”

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