MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) announced he has named Colin O’Brien as his Communications Director. O’Brien will be based in the Washington, DC office.

“Colin is a talented and motivated communications professional, and will serve the people of North Carolina’s 9th district well,” said Rep. Hudson.

Prior to joining Rep. Hudson’s office, Colin served as Deputy Press Secretary and Press Assistant in Senator Bill Cassidy’s office and as a Political Director for Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Jason Smith (MO-08).

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

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) celebrated the news that the I-5 Bridge Replacement project has concluded the environmental review process and can now begin construction on a replacement bridge connecting Washington and Oregon. 

“Today, the I-5 Bridge Replacement project reached an important milestone, bringing it closer to completion,” said Ranking Member Larsen. “You can’t have a big league economy with little league infrastructure. This is a legacy investment that will create good jobs for the women and men of the Pacific Northwest while safely and efficiently connecting Washington and Oregon. Thank you to all of my colleagues on the state and federal level for keeping this game-changing project moving.” 

“Getting the green light on construction of the new I-5 bridge is a massive step towards ensuring we have durable transportation and interstate access for generations. Families, truckers, and commuters across Southwest Washington depend on this roadway for the strength of our local economy,” said Rep Gluesenkamp Perez. “Getting funding for projects like this is where the rubber meets the road on delivering for working families. I’m so proud to see this project get closer to becoming a reality.”

Today, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published the final Record of Decision for the I-5 Bridge Replacement project, concluding the federal environmental review process and allowing Washington and Oregon to move toward construction on the project.  

The I-5 Bridge Replacement project will construct a new pair of Columbia River bridges, one northbound and one southbound, as well as develop enhanced parking capacity, bus service improvements, and various interchange/auxiliary lane modifications on the I-5 bridge. 

In 2024, Rep. Larsen and Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez held a roundtable discussion together to hear from labor unions, commuters and local transportation businesses about their priorities for the I-5 Bridge Replacement project.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – One year ago, on July 4, 2025, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act was signed into law, giving tens of millions of Americans more tax relief and economic breathing room to pay their bills and save for their children’s futures.

According to government data, more than 60 million filers claimed at least one new tax cut during the legislation’s first year of operation. The average refund (approximately $3,300) put 11 percent more money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans than the previous year. The vast majority of filers receiving a tax cut (96%) reported yearly earnings of less than $200,000. Millions of filers claimed the new No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime deductions.

Additionally, the bill made the 20% pass-through deduction permanent and renewed immediate expensing, giving entrepreneurs the certainty to invest, hire, and grow. Those reforms were projected to create over one million new Main Street jobs and generate $750 billion in economic growth. With more earnings in hand, business owners can raise wages, expand operations, and build stronger local economies.

Arizonans benefited greatly from the historic tax cuts bill. Thanks to this legislation, many Arizonans have seen a substantial wage increase, and 133,000 jobs have been protected. Well over a million Arizona seniors were eligible to benefit from the provision eliminating taxes on Social Security. Roughly two-thirds of workers across the state are employed in overtime-eligible occupations, allowing them to use the no-tax-on-overtime provision. Many Arizona laborers were eligible for the provision exempting tips from taxes.

“In the first filing deadline under the Working Families Tax Cuts era, tens of millions of Americans, including many across Arizona, celebrated higher wages and lower tax bills,” said Congressman Biggs. “President Trump and congressional Republicans were motivated to build on the successful 2017 tax cuts, giving more certainty to families and business owners – and we accomplished our mission with flying colors. As I travel around my district, I’m pleased to hear the positive stories of how this legislation improved lives and created opportunities for business growth. Americans deserve to keep more of their money, and this bill has done—and will continue to do—just that in the years to come.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

Ranking Members Hank Johnson, Jamie Raskin Call for Strong Safeguards Against Insider Trading and Ethical Conflicts By Federal Judges, Clerks, And Staff

Washington, D.C. (July 7, 2026) — Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Hank Johnson, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet, sent a letter to the Honorable Robert J. Conrad Jr., Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, urging the Judicial Conference to prohibit federal judges, clerks, and judicial staff from participating in online prediction markets.

“Federal officials in all three branches of government often have advance knowledge of, if not direct influence or control over, the prospective outcome of a wager related to public policy events and decisions. It is no surprise that, in this setting, prediction markets appear rife with insider trading and other abuses,” wrote the Ranking Members. 

The growing use of prediction markets—platforms that allow users to wager on future events—poses serious ethical risks to the federal judiciary. These markets enable betting on matters directly related to the courts, including case outcomes, the length of judicial opinions, and even the timing of a Supreme Court Justice’s retirement.

Prediction markets such as Kalshi, Polymarket, and PredictIt currently operate largely outside of state gambling restrictions and, under the Trump Administration, have faced limited federal oversight. Because judges and court personnel may have access to nonpublic information or influence over judicial outcomes, their participation in such markets raises significant concerns about insider trading, conflicts of interest, and the appearance of impropriety.

While existing judicial ethics rules may address some aspects of this conduct, a clear, categorical ban is needed to eliminate ambiguity and fully safeguard the integrity of the courts.

“We respectfully urge the Judicial Conference to take prompt action to prohibit participation in prediction markets by the entire federal judiciary and their staff. Establishing this rule now will help protect the integrity of judicial decision-making, prevent the appearance of impropriety, and reinforce public confidence in the judicial branch,” wrote the Ranking Members. 

Judiciary Democrats are calling on the Judicial Conference to act swiftly to implement a comprehensive prohibition on prediction market participation for all members of the federal judiciary and their staff.

Click here to read the letter.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is delighted to congratulate Lucas “Hoss” Tafesilafa’i Foster of Samoana High School, American Samoa’s first-ever representative at this week’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. 

Lucas and Chief Executive Officer Sandy Spavone

Lucas, of Pago Pago and Futiga villages, was selected in April as one of only 12 recipients nationwide of the 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference Scholarship, as he takes part in this year’s national conference with more than 10,000 students and educators.

Additionally, while traveling from Pago Pago to Washington, Lucas learned FCCLA administrators selected him as American Samoa’s 2026 Election Voting Delegate. He also served as the territory’s flag bearer during the national conference, and will walk across the platform to accept a membership increase award on behalf of American Samoa FCCLA, with his family looking on. Each of these honors are first-time milestones for American Samoa’s participation in FCCLA.

“Congratulations to Lucas Foster on these outstanding achievements, and thank you for representing American Samoa with excellence,” said Congresswoman Amata. “We’re so proud of his selection as one of only 12 FCCLA national scholarship recipients, serving as our territory’s Election Voting Delegate, and carrying our flag at a national conference, all in honor of American Samoa. On this stage, Lucas is showing the wonderful leadership, responsibility, and promise that our young people bring to every opportunity, and opening the door for our students in FCCLA.”

FCCLA is a national Career and Technical Student Organization for students in Family and Consumer Sciences education. Their mission is to promote personal growth and leadership development while helping students build skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.

As American Samoa’s Election Voting Delegate, Lucas takes an official role in FCCLA’s national governance process. His responsibilities include reviewing national officer candidate materials, attending election activities, evaluating speeches, and casting American Samoa’s official vote for National Officers. He will also participate in the National Business Session, where voting delegates consider by-law amendments and other official FCCLA business.

“I am very grateful to Heavenly Father for this amazing opportunity,” said Lucas. “I am humbled because I never thought I would receive the scholarship, and I was surprised to learn on the way to Washington, D.C., that I had also been selected as the Voting Delegate for American Samoa. I am honored to represent our people and my peers at this year’s FCCLA National Leadership Conference. I am learning, enjoying my time here, meeting new people, and trying my best to advocate for and represent American Samoa.”

“What a great job by Lucas at this exciting event, with support from all of American Samoa and I know how proud of him his family and Samoana High School are,” Congresswoman Amata concluded. “When our students gain opportunities to be seen, heard, and represented nationally, they stand out and make our islands proud. This kind of educational experience helps students develop practical skills for real life, future careers, and service to our people.”

See more pictures

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, visited Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands, Virginia. In conversations with Clinch Valley Health President & CEO Peter Mulkey as well as hospital officials and staff, Chairman Griffith received updates on the hospital, services to local patients and rural health care.

“As Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, I collect perspectives from medical professionals on rural health care access. My tour of the Clinch Valley Medical Center helped me gather such input from dedicated rural health care providers that serve our region. I remain committed in Congress to strengthen rural health care relationships for the benefit of patients in Southwest Virginia.” – U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith, Virginia’s Ninth District

“It was great to have Congressman Griffith here in the community. We continued dialogue around issues with rural health care and how we can work together to improve the outlook for the best health care possible for the communities we all serve in rural America.” – Peter Muley, Clinch Valley Health President & CEO

NOTE: Press release and photos from visit also available on Congressman Griffith’s website here.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), announced that the Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport has been awarded a $1,710,000 grant through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program.

The grant will fund the final phase of a project to rehabilitate approximately 1,200 feet of Runway 14/32, to maintain the runway’s structural integrity and improve its long-term reliability. 

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“I applaud the FAA for funding the final phase of runway rehabilitation at Salisbury Regional Airport. This project will extend the life of the airport’s runway and keep it operating safely for years to come.”

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

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

Congresswoman Dina Titus today introduced a Joint Resolution of Disapproval to stop the $700 million sale of F110 jet engines to Turkey. Such a sale would undermine regional stability and pose a threat to U.S. allies while rewarding a repressive, dictatorial, and revengeful government led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“The regime of Turkish President Erdogan has made repeated threats of military action against NATO allies and other partner nations throughout the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean,” Congresswoman Titus said. “Sale of these jet engines to Turkey will embolden it to pursue those threats. Turkey already is destabilizing the region with its continued illegal occupation of Cyprus, antagonism toward Greece, close association with designated terrorist organizations, support of Azerbaijan’s campaigns against Armenia, and threats to invade Israel. We should not be rewarding Erdogan’s bad behavior by expanding Turkey’s military might.”

The Trump administration formally notified Congress of the transaction on June 24, opening a 15-day review period during which lawmakers can move to block the sale. The resolution introduced by Congresswoman Titus provides a platform for Congress to act.

The F110 jet engines are intended for Turkey’s next-generation KAAN combat aircraft, a project Turkey has pursued as part of its broader effort to expand its military capabilities.

The Arms Export Control Act (AECA) gives Congress the statutory authority to review major foreign military sales. Through a Joint Resolution of Disapproval, Congress can officially halt or block an arms transfer during the review period.

Congresswoman Titus expressed concern that the Trump administration is committed to further aiding Turkey with advanced platforms like the F-35 in violation of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. “President Trump saying he has a ‘gift’ for Turkey that will make it ‘very happy’ should alarm all of us. Congress needs to act now to stop the administration from aiding an enemy of our allies.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded People Incorporated of Virginia, based in Abingdon, Virginia, a $4,446,323 grant. The funding supports head start and early head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“People Incorporated helps serve communities in Southwest Virginia.

“This grant for more than $4.4 million helps People Incorporated deliver head start and early head start services to local families in our region.”

BACKGROUND

According to its website, People Incorporated of Virginia offers early head start services to Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Washington Counties as well as the City of Bristol.

People Incorporated lists four head start centers based in Southwest Virginia.

In 2024, Congressman Griffith entered formal remarks in the Congressional Record to celebrate the organization’s 60^thanniversary.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02) and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) in introducing a bill to improve transparency between taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax refund claims.

Currently, there is no requirement that the IRS pay or deny refund claims within a set timeframe. As a result, claims can spend years in the IRS’ queue without a decision, leaving taxpayers with no clear answers or recourse. The bill requires the IRS to respond to tax refund claims within one year of receiving a taxpayer’s return. It also ensures that any refund paid after that period is adjusted for inflation and includes interest to compensate taxpayers for the delay.

IRS employees work diligently to serve taxpayers and process refund claims, but their work has been undermined by staffing cuts under the Trump administration. Thousands of IRS employees have been laid off, resulting in fewer claims processed and growing backlogs. Since 2019, the number of backlogged tax claims has doubled to more than two million. This bill will create a clear process to ensure refund claims are paid or denied in a timely manner, with taxpayers guaranteed a sufficient explanation for any IRS decision.

“The backlog in cases at the IRS has left way too many hardworking taxpayers waiting way too long for their hard-earned refunds,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our RETURN Act would help restore accountability, efficiency, and transparency by requiring the IRS to respond to refund requests within one year and explain the reasoning behind any denial. This legislation would help ensure a more responsive tax system so that all Americans can efficiently and effectively receive their tax returns.”

“Americans in North Carolina and across the country work hard for every dollar they earn, and they deserve prompt responses when they file their tax returns,” said Rep. Ross. “At a time when too many families are stretched thin by rising costs, they should not be left wondering whether they will receive the money they are owed. This bill will help ensure tax refunds are processed in a timely manner and require the IRS to provide clear explanations of its decisions to the American taxpayers.”

“We are in a cost-of-living crisis,” said Rep. DeLauro. “Americans are living paycheck to paycheck – if the government is responsible for a late refund, they should ensure that Americans are made whole because of it. I am fighting to put more money in working and middle-class Americans’ pockets – to help them get ahead and thrive.”

Full text of the bill is available here.

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