MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and the Oregon Congressional Delegation members Senator Ron Wyden, and Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) decried the decision of Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to abruptly end its participation in the Safe Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program. The SAFE program has been operational since 1993, and provides reliable stocks of hatchery raised fish including Spring chinook and coho salmon for Pacific Northwest commercial and recreational fisheries in the Lower Columbia River Basin. 

“The loss of SAFE program funding from BPA puts the entire program at risk and is anticipated to have devastating, regional impacts on Columbia River native fish populations. Hatcheries are a critical regional resource. Estimates show that approximately 80% of the salmon and steelhead that return to the Columbia River Basin were hatched and reared in fish hatcheries. The SAFE program produces millions of hatchery fish each year, providing relief for stocks of Endangered Species Act-listed fish while also supporting the region’s world class commercial fishing industries and recreational fishers alike,” write the lawmakers.

BPA’s decision to end SAFE, that has provided hatchery funding for over 30 years, came with minimal notice and will create a nearly $2.4 million shortfall to be shared by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Clatsop County. According to ODFW, more than 7 million hatchery salmon currently in production are at immediate risk. Without this funding, ODFW may be forced to close SAFE funded hatcheries and potentially cull the millions of salmon and eggs the agency will no longer be able to support.

“When BPA shared its intent to terminate the SAFE program with its non-federal sponsors, the agency provided its partners with less than four months to accommodate for the loss of this critical stream of funding. However, work to produce next year’s stock of hatchery fish has already begun,” emphasized the Oregon Congressional Delegation.

The lawmakers concluded, “We urge BPA to reconsider its decision to walk back on its partnership with regional stakeholders to support fish mitigation activities through the SAFE program. Without strong collective action, communication, and trust, the hardworking stakeholders in the region won’t be able to overcome challenges of diminishing salmon populations and energy security. Further, walking back on the SAFE program stands in opposition to the President’s Executive Order 14276 on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. We encourage BPA to fulfill its obligations, and renew its contracts with ODFW, WDFW, and Clatsop County to provide certainty in critical fish stocks in our region.” 

Full text of the letter sent by the Oregon Congressional delegation can be found by clicking here and follows below:  

Dear Administrator Kavulla: 

We write to express our significant concern with the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) recent decision to end its participation in the Select Area Fisheries Management (SAFE) program. The SAFE program has been operational since 1993, providing reliable stocks of Spring chinook and coho salmon for Pacific Northwest commercial and recreational fisheries. We strongly urge BPA to reconsider its actions and commit to renewing its SAFE program contracts to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Clatsop County.  

The loss of SAFE program funding from BPA puts the entire program at risk and is anticipated to have devastating, regional impacts on Columbia River native fish populations. Hatcheries are a critical regional resource. Estimates show that approximately 80% of the salmon and steelhead that return to the Columbia River Basin were hatched and reared in fish hatcheries.^[1] The SAFE program produces millions of hatchery fish each year, providing relief for stocks of Endangered Species Act-listed fish while also supporting the region’s world class commercial fishing industries and recreational fishers alike.  

When BPA shared its intent to terminate the SAFE program with its non-federal sponsors, the agency provided its partners with less than four months to accommodate for the loss of this critical stream of funding. However, work to produce next year’s stock of hatchery fish has already begun. BPA’s decision to no longer support the SAFE program will jeopardize seven million fish that are currently being raised to be released into rivers next spring and will no longer be able to be supported by current funding schemes. It is likely that the hatchery will have to be closed and fish may be culled.  

Further, the Northwest Power & Conservation Council, the organization that provides advice to BPA on its activities to mitigate the loss of fish populations, has long supported the SAFE program. In its most recent recommendations to BPA, the Council recommended that BPA renew its contracts for the program to continue to address the loss of salmon populations in the Columbia Basin.^[2] It is disappointing that BPA cannot heed the advice of the organization designed to work with partners on this regional issue.  

We urge BPA to reconsider its decision to walk back on its partnership with regional stakeholders to support fish mitigation activities through the SAFE program. Without strong collective action, communication, and trust, the hardworking stakeholders in the region won’t be able to overcome challenges of diminishing salmon populations and energy security. Further, walking back on the SAFE program stands in opposition to the President’s Executive Order 14276 on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. We encourage BPA to fulfill its obligations, and renew its contracts with ODFW, WDFW, and Clatsop County to provide certainty in critical fish stocks in our region. 

^[1] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2024, August 15). Federal Columbia River Power System Mitigation Actions. NOAA Fisheries. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/endangered-species-conservation/federal-columbia-river-power-system-mitigation-actions  

^[2] Independent Scientific Review Panel for the Northwest Power & Conservation Council. (2022, February 10). Final Report: Review of Anadromous Fish Habitat and Hatchery. P.88-91. 

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

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
July 6, 2026                                                    202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT’S LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND PETER G. THURLAND, SR. ADVANCES IN HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announced today that the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federals Lands held a hearing on H.R. 8121, legislation to designate the Christiansted Bandstand in Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as the “Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand.” The hearing marks a significant step forward for legislation that would permanently honor one of St. Croix’s cultural figures and cement his legacy in the very landmark he helped build.

“Last week’s hearing before the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands is an important milestone in our effort to ensure that Peter G. Thurland, Sr.’s contributions to the Virgin Islands are never forgotten,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Mr. Thurland helped construct the Christiansted Bandstand with his own hands, performed there in service to his country, and then spent decades pouring his talents back into the community by training generations of young Virgin Islands musicians. I am hopeful this legislation will continue moving through the process so that we can deliver this long-overdue recognition.”

H.R. 8121 honors the life and legacy of Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr., born on February 19, 1892, in Christiansted, St. Croix. Shortly after the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States, Mr. Thurland enlisted in the United States Navy on June 12, 1917, serving as a member of the Navy Band. He was instrumental in the construction and design of the Christiansted Bandstand and performed there with the Christiansted Naval Band until his honorable discharge in September 1921.

In 1938, Mr. Thurland founded the St. Croix Community Band, training generations of young musicians who performed free monthly concerts at the Christiansted Bandstand for three decades. He led the band until 1968, when he passed the baton to his son. Beyond music, he was known across the Virgin Islands as a master craftsman and skilled cabinetmaker whose contributions to St. Croix’s civic and cultural life remain immeasurable.

“The Thurland family is honored with the naming of the Christiansted Bandstand for our grandfather Peter G. Thurland Sr.,” said Karen Thurland, granddaughter of Mr. Peter G. Thurland, Sr. “Not only was he part of the building of the bandstand with the Christiansted enlisted U.S. Navy men, he also played with the Christiansted Industrial Brass Band at the transfer ceremony on the Christiansted Wharf on March 31, 1917. Peter G. Thurland Sr., besides being a musician, was a master joiner, educator, and family man who made many contributions to the St. Croix community.”

The legislation was first championed by Congressman Ron de Lugo in the 103rd Congress. The hearing held last week represents the furthest the bill has advanced in its history.

“Our story as Virgin Islanders is not only written in textbooks, it is woven into the places we gather, the music we play, and the people who gave so much of themselves to build the communities we live in today. Peter G. Thurland, Sr. is one of those people,” Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. “Preserving and honoring stories like his is how we ensure that the next generation of Virgin Islanders knows where they come from and who stood before them.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

JANESVILLE, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) shared additional details regarding FEMA resources for families and affected communities following storm damage in Wisconsin this past April. This follows President Trump’s approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for Wisconsin and approval of $22.6 million in funding for Wisconsin families. 

“This is an important step towards helping Wisconsin families impacted by the severe weather and damaging flooding in April,” said Steil. “Thank you, President Trump for working to provide critical resources to Wisconsin families. I look forward to working with FEMA to help Wisconsin families impacted by these storms.”

Background:

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) announced today that his staff will hold a mobile office hour for constituents in Hitchcock County on Monday, July 20, 2026. This office hour is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with a member of Smith’s staff about federal issues, receive assistance with a federal agency, or take advantage of the services available through his office. 

Smith, who has offices in Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and Nebraska City, will provide a staff member at the following time and location: 

Monday, July 20, 2026 
Hitchcock County Courthouse
 229 East D Street
 Trenton, NE 69044
 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CT 

For more information, please contact Smith’s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900, his Scottsbluff office at (308) 633-6333, or his Nebraska City office at (402) 874-6050.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) announced today that his staff will hold a mobile office hour for constituents in Banner County on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. This office hour is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with a member of Smith’s staff about federal issues, receive assistance with a federal agency, or take advantage of the services available through his office. 

Smith, who has offices in Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and Nebraska City, will provide a staff member at the following time and location: 

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 
Banner County Courthouse
 2204 State Street
 Harrisburg, NE 69345
 10:00 am – 11:00 am MT

For more information, please contact Smith’s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900, his Scottsbluff office at (308) 633-6333, or his Nebraska City office at (402) 874-6050.  

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

VIDEO: Team Gomez and Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez’s Office Deliver Air Purifiers and Essential Supplies to Families Impacted by the Lineage Logistics Fire

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded a total of $50 million to two Riverside County transportation projects from the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. Rep. Calvert led efforts to advocate for the grant applications submitted by Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the City of Lake Elsinore, including sending letters of support and outreach to DOT officials.

The following projects were awarded funding:

• $25 Million – State Route 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project

  Recipient: Riverside County Transportation Commission

  Project summary: This project will implement an operational lane for approximately three miles in the eastbound direction on State Route 91 from the State Route 241 general purpose connector to the State Route 71 connector auxiliary lane. Other improvements include widening bridges, constructing retaining walls, constructing a two-lane exit ramp, replacing overhead signs, lowering Coal Canyon access road, and constructing debris and rockfall mitigation measures.

• $25 Million – I-15/SR 74 (Central Avenue) Interchange Improvement Project

  Recipient: City of Lake Elsinore

  Project summary: The project will make improvements to the I-15/SR-74 (Central Avenue) Interchange in the City of Lake Elsinore, California. Improvements include interchange reconfiguration, widening of a segment of SR-74 (Central Avenue), Dexter Avenue, upgraded on- and off-ramps, new traffic signals and freeway signage, ADA-compliant pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and drainage improvements.

“The $50 million being awarded to Riverside County highway projects will make a significant impact by easing congestion and improving safety for drivers,” said Rep. Calvert. “By working together with Riverside County Transportation Commission and the city of Lake Elsinore, I’m proud to once again help return tax dollars back to our region to make a difference for the constituents I represent. Our region remains one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, which means we must continue to invest in infrastructure improvements to keep people moving and protect their quality of life. I will continue to work with our local communities to support the projects that are necessary to achieve those goals.”

“With more than 300,000 vehicles traveling SR-91 between Riverside and Orange Counties each day, continued investment in the corridor is needed to keep our communities moving,” said RCTC Chair Raymond Gregory. “RCTC is grateful to Representative Ken Calvert for his help to secure $25 million in BUILD grant funding for the 91 Eastbound Corridor Operations Project, which will help improve traffic operations.”

“On behalf of the City of Lake Elsinore and my City Council colleagues, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to Congressman Ken Calvert and his team for his steadfast leadership and unwavering support in securing this transformative BUILD Grant,” said Lake Elsinore Mayor Bob Magee. “His commitment to improving infrastructure throughout Southwest Riverside County has helped make one of Lake Elsinore’s highest-priority transportation projects a reality. This investment will significantly improve the I-15/SR-74 (Central Avenue) Interchange through a comprehensive reconfiguration of the interchange and also widen parts of SR-74 (Central Avenue) and Dexter Avenue, improving safety, reducing traffic congestion, strengthening regional connectivity, and providing more efficient access for residents, businesses, emergency responders, and the thousands of visitors who travel through our community each day. As one of the fastest-growing communities in California, Lake Elsinore depends on strategic infrastructure investments to support economic development, attract new businesses, create jobs, and, more importantly, improve our residents’ quality of life. This project is not simply about improving an interchange—it is about investing in our community’s future and ensuring our transportation network can support the opportunities ahead. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Calvert for his partnership, leadership, and unwavering commitment to bringing federal resources home to Lake Elsinore.”

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Statement on June Jobs Report

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy gained 57,000 jobs in June, and the unemployment rate ticked down to 4.2 percent. At this point in his term, the economy under President Biden had created 9.5 million jobs, compared to just 716,000 under President Trump’s second term.

“In the year since President Trump and Congressional Republicans passed their ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ Americans’ lives have gotten more difficult and more expensive. Seventeen months into President Trump’s second term, the economy has only created 7.5 percent of the jobs that President Biden created at the same point in his term. As a direct result of Republicans’ health care cuts, over eight million Americans have lost health care coverage in the past year, and over four million

“These bad economic policies continue to put the American dream further out of reach for working people. Inflation has begun to outpace wage growth, and American workers’ share of national income has shrunk to its lowest level in at least seventy years. These factors contribute to a ‘K-shaped economy,’ where the rich get richer while working people continue to struggle.

“On the 250^th anniversary of the birth of our nation and as we reflect on the ambitions of our country’s founders, we cannot take for granted the power of self-determination. Democrats are committed to making the government work for everyone, not just the wealthy and Trump-connected few. Congress must expand economic opportunity for all Americans by lowering the cost of living, delivering quality health care, and creating well-paying jobs that stand the test of time.”

To see a chart comparing the cumulative seasonally adjusted job change by month between President Trump’s first and second terms, and President Biden’s presidency,click here.

To see a chart comparing the total job change between President Trump’s first 17 months in office and President Biden’s first 17 months in office,click here.

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Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Condemns Rescission of Affirmative Action Guidance

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rescinded the 1979 rule that establishes affirmative action guidelines for employers.

“The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) decision to rescind its long-standing guidelines on affirmative action in the workplace is another step in the Trump Administration’s campaign to dismantle civil rights and equal opportunity for workers. For nearly 50 years, the rule has established clear guidelines for employers on when and how to implement strategies to address race and gender imbalances and protect Americans from workplace discrimination.

“Even without this guidance, employers are still required to follow Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although the Supreme Court has limited the use of race in the admissions process to increase diversity in higher education, its earlier decisions, United Steelworkers v. Weber (1979) and Johnson v. Transportation Agency (1987), that guide the use of affirmative action in the private sector have not been overturned and remain the law of the land.As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, I am committed to fighting back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on workers and to ensuring that all Americans are given an equal chance to get ahead.”

Background: Following Donald Trump’s unprecedented firing of two of the three Democratic Commissioners on the five-seat Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the elevation of Andrea Lucas as Chair of the Commission, the EEOC has taken numerous actions that undermine rather than advance equal opportunity for workers.

On September 22, 2025, Ranking Member Scott condemned the EEOC after it was reported that it would end investigations where an employee alleges solely disparate impact workplace discrimination charges.

On January 23, 2026, Ranking Member Scott expressed his concern that the EEOC had taken numerous actions at the direction of Chair Andrea Lucas that undermined the EEOC’s mission to protect workers from discrimination. In his letter to Chair Lucas, Ranking Member Scott noted that the Commission has abandoned cases alleging disparate impact, singled out white men as a group that should reach out to the EEOC with discrimination claims, and rescinded guidance that served as an important resource for both workers and employers regarding prohibitions against discrimination, including harassment.

On June 29, 2026, Ranking Member Scott condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Trump’s firing of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, a decision that also undermines the independence of the EEOC.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Last week, Congresswoman Brownley (CA-26), Congressman Huffman (CA-02), and Congressman Raskin (MD-08), alongside other democratic colleagues, introduced a resolution in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. As the United States prepares to celebrate its Semiquincentennial, the resolution recognizes the nation’s long tradition of protecting religious liberty through a secular government, celebrates America’s growing religious diversity, and rejects efforts to use the power of government to impose any one religious belief on the American people.

This resolution comes at a pivotal moment for religious freedom in America. Last week, Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission released a dangerous 224-page draft report proposing policies that would expand the role of religion in government and weaken safeguards that have protected religious freedom for generations. The commission is stacked with mostly right-wing Christian nationalists, and one conservative Jewish member, all of whom endorse claims that America was founded as a Chrisian nation.

“Last week Trump’s so called Religious Liberty Commission released an absurd report launching a direct attack on one of America’s greatest constitutional achievements: the separation of church and state,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “The Constitution doesn’t belong to Christian nationalists, and it doesn’t belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to all of us, and its promise of religious freedom protects every American, regardless of what they believe. No president, no matter how determined to erode our constitutional freedoms, can change what has always been at the heart of this country: a belief in liberty and freedom for all. That includes the freedom to worship as you choose, or not at all, without government interference or religious coercion. That’s the America worth celebrating after 250 years, and it’s the America we must continue to defend.”

“Our Founders rebelled against centuries of state-controlled churches, religious warfare, Crusades, inquisitions, witchcraft trials, and other expressions of religious authoritarianism to create a secular Constitution,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin. “As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, our resolution is a necessary reminder to guard religious freedom, one of our nation’s founding principles, from those seeking to destroy it by using the government to impose white Christian nationalism. Mr. President, read the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of our Constitution.”

The resolution draws on the writings of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, and other Founders, as well as longstanding constitutional precedent, to underscore that religious freedom flourishes when government remains neutral in matters of faith. It also recognizes that the First Amendment’s Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses have safeguarded Americans of every religion, and those of no religion, for nearly 250 years.

A full copy of the resolution can be found here.

In addition to Brownley, Huffman, and Raskin, the resolution is cosponsored by Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Sean Casten (IL-06), Emily Randall (WA-06), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Robert Garcia (CA-42).

The resolution is endorsed by Americans United for Separation of Church and State, American Humanist Association, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Secular Coalition, The Center for Inquiry, and Interfaith Alliance, and Baptist Joint Committee, Ex-Muslims of North America, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Jews for Secular Democracy, Society for Humanistic Judaism, Emgage, Vote Common Good, Sikh Coalition.

A full list of quotes from endorsed organizations can be found here.

Issues: 119th Congress