MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

For decades, a student’s dyslexia diagnosis meant falling behind or underperforming academically with long-lasting impacts reverberating into adulthood. Studies have shown that students who lack critical reading skills are more likely to drop out of school early, less likely to find well-paying jobs, and even risk spending time in the criminal justice system.

This week, we’ve seen some great reports coming out of the state of Arkansas regarding improved student outcomes on state assessment exams. This is especially encouraging given that the National Council on Teacher Quality found that 94% of Arkansas teacher preparation programs have scored a grade of A or A+ for preparing elementary school teachers to use science-backed instructional methods for teaching reading, placing Arkansas well above the national average of 53%.

Before my time in Congress, I had the privilege of serving as school board president and in the Arkansas General Assembly where I dealt more closely with education policy. Because of this, I developed a greater understanding around dyslexia and how important a scientific understanding of this learning disability is. But understanding alone is not enough. It is also necessary to have science-of-reading based instructional programs to help students with dyslexia to overcome it. With 94% of our higher education reading programs that teach our educators how to teach in Arkansas scoring A or A+, the expectations and excitement for our students is high. 

Coming to Congress and serving as co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I’ve used my deeper understanding of dyslexia to be a strong advocate for legislation like the 21^st Century Dyslexia Act that highlights the need for a more scientific understanding and approach to prevent the harm that unidentified learning disorders can inflict on our young students. 

The results we’ve seen in recent reports are certainly encouraging. Beyond that, they are further proof that when we give students and teachers the tools they need to gain a greater understanding around dyslexia and other learning disabilities, everyone comes out as a winner. Students feel more encouraged and eager to learn; teachers feel empowered and equipped to support their students in reaching their full potential.

Learning disabilities should never prevent students from succeeding in the classroom. I’m certainly encouraged by these excellent results and grateful for the leadership on the state level and in Congress to continue advocating for efforts that create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all learners.

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

Today, New Democrat Coalition Trade & Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer (VA-08) issued a statement on the start of the joint review process of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) urging Trump Administration officials to maintain and build on the seminal trade agreement rather than withdraw and throw the U.S. and regional economy into chaos. The failure to renew the USMCA is estimated to result in a $300 tax increase per household in 2027 and the loss of 95,000 jobs.

“This past year has demonstrated the profound importance of free trade with America’s two closest trading partners, Canada and Mexico. As the President’s sweeping trade war erodes our trade relationships, raises costs, and destroys certainty in our economy, it is essential that the United States use this opportunity to strengthen – not retreat from – this crucial agreement.

“The Administration’s decision to start this review process by refusing to extend the USMCA is a grave mistake. Withdrawal from the agreement would devastate our markets, manufacturers, farmers, and consumers here at home. Our negotiators must engage in good-faith, trilateral discussions during this review to reinforce the agreement and ensure its continuation while addressing new challenges that have emerged in the six years since the USMCA took effect.

“Over the past year, New Dems convened meetings with the Canadian and Mexican ambassadors and roundtables with stakeholders and trade experts to ensure this process refines the Agreement without undermining its core framework. We are fully committed to delivering a revitalized USCMA through the joint review to deliver lower costs, stronger supply chains, more jobs, and certainty to our economy.”

New Democrat Coalition members penned a letter to Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the United States Trade Representative, in November 2025 calling on negotiators to “update and expand on the existing framework without undermining the successes and essential components” that have benefitted all parties of the agreement.

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

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) announced that the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division (MLGW) will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for 75 percent of its cost to repair the power grid infrastructure damaged in storms and flooding in April of last year. That amounts to $1,850,109 for removal and replacement of utility poles, transformers, wire and other materials and the labor required to restore power.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“The storms and tornadoes that ripped through our region in April of 2025 did serious damage to our power grid. I am pleased to see FEMA’s reimbursement for most of the costs MLGW had to incur to restore power.”

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Biggs applauded the U.S. Supreme Court decisions this week in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Trump v. Slaughter. 

In West Virginia v. B.P.J., a majority of Supreme Court Justices ruled that states passing laws to protect the integrity of women’s sports are not in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title IX. Therefore, states taking action to separate biological men and women in sports arenas, including Arizona, are perfectly within the bounds of the U.S. Constitution and applicable laws. Arizona’s Save Women’s Sports Act has been under litigation and was being defended by the state legislature.

“Yesterday’s ruling was a massive win for America, the law, science, common sense, and fairness for all,” said Congressman Biggs. “It is fitting that, in the United States’ 250th year, we have again restored order to the insanity threatening the integrity of women’s sports. I’m so thankful for the individuals around the country who fought every day for girls dreaming about competing in various sporting events throughout their lives. Because of your efforts, our daughters and granddaughters can grow up in a nation that will protect their right to play sports in a safe and nurturing environment – not one marred by biological boys and men attempting to gain access.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in writing the opinion of the Court, stated, “The two States here—along with 25 other States, the IOC, the USOPC, and the NCAA—have concluded at this time that women and girls should be allowed to compete for those life-changing opportunities on an equal playing field, without fear of physical injury from biological males or being forced to compete against biological males. Consistent with Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause, we hold that the States may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females. They may determine eligibility for women’s and girls’ sports based on biological sex. The Constitution and Title IX do not require an overhaul of women’s and girls’ sports throughout America.

In Trump v. Slaughter, the Court ruled that the President of the United States does, in fact, have the constitutional authority to fire a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner without cause, being that the FTC is under the executive branch – of which the President is the chief executive. The Court struck down a previous case, Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, that had prevented President Roosevelt’s 1935 attempt to fire an FTC Commissioner without cause. 

“In the United States of America, all federal bureaucrats should answer to the President, who is elected by and accountable to the American people,” said Congressman Biggs. “For too long, unelected bureaucrats have operated independently of oversight from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. That chaos suffered a significant defeat with yesterday’s ruling. I applaud the U.S. Supreme Court for getting this case and issue correct, restoring our three branches of government to more of the balance our founders intended with their inspired framework so many years ago.”

Chief Justice John Roberts, delivering the opinion of the Court, wrote, “Humphrey’s framework, in short, has not withstood the test of time. While Humphrey’s was surely right to focus on ‘the character of the office’ at issue, and surely right to say that ‘purely executive’ powers must be controlled by the President, we long ago abandoned the notion that there are some powers that are only partly executive. Forty years have now passed, in fact, since we recognized that the FTC exercises executive power – and did so even in 1935, when Humphrey’s was decided. And more than 200 years have passed since we recognized that the Constitution ‘vests the whole executive power in the President’ alone.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

In Opposition to GOP Bill to Divert Hospital Funding from Health Care to Burdensome Paperwork Requirements

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

PHOTO: Congressman Bishop and Congressman Scott with the Macon-Bibb Delegation at the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee Hearing on July 1

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) and Austin Scott (GA-08) testified before the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands regarding their bill, H.R. 9416, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park Redesignation Act. H.R. 9416 continues a more than decade long, but steady and combined effort of local, state, and federal leaders to create Georgia’s first National Park and more closely realize the original vision for this historic and cultural treasure which will also bring more visitors and jobs to Middle Georgia.

“As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday this Saturday, it is vital that we preserve and protect our ancient history, including the stories of the indigenous peoples who lived here long before July 4, 1776,” said Congressman Bishop. “Our bill today represents a small, albeit meaningful, step forward that will strengthen Ocmulgee and ensure that its cultural and religious sites are protected now and into the future.”

“In Georgia’s 8th Congressional District, and across the state, the Ocmulgee Mounds are a source of deep pride. Just as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone reflect the heritage of their regions, the Ocmulgee River corridor represents one of the most important cultural landscapes in the Southeast. By redesignating the Ocmulgee Mounds as a National Park, we can ensure that this extraordinary history is recognized at the national level and shared with visitors from across the country and around the world. I’m proud of the bipartisan work that has brought us to this point, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to move this legislation all the way to President Trump’s desk and establish Georgia’s first national park,” said Congressman Scott.

WATCH: Congressman Bishop’s Testimony and Congressman Scott’s Testimony

The area is the ancestral home of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and has been inhabited continuously by humans for over 12,000 years. American Indians first arrived in the area during the Paleo-Indian Period hunting Ice Age mammals. Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began, and Muskogean people constructed mounds for meeting, living, burial, agricultural, and other purposes, many of which remain today and would be encompassed in the new U.S. National Park and Preserve.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

DelBene Blasts Trump for Not Renewing His Own Signature Trade Deal: Gravely Misguided

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) led over 100 of her House colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to protect safe drinking water standards and address PFAS contamination that poses risks to the physical health and environmental health of communities across America. In a new letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Congresswoman Dingell and 112 of her colleagues in the House pressed the administration to reconsider eliminating the 2024 National Drinking Water Standards for four PFAS forever chemicals. The water standards established an enforceable limit of forever chemicals and required that public water systems monitor for PFAS, notify the public of PFAS, and reduce PFAS in drinking water.

“Safe drinking water should never be a luxury or a legal debate. For families facing PFAS contamination, this is about the water they pour into a glass, cook with, and give to their children. America should be moving faster to get PFAS out of our drinking water—not giving families more years of uncertainty and harm. We will not stand by while protections are weakened and working families are left waiting. We will continue fighting to protect clean water, hold polluters accountable, and put public health ahead of the interests that created this crisis. We urge EPA to reconsider its proposals to eliminate and delay the 2024 National PFAS Drinking Water Standards and meaningfully protect Americans from PFAS contamination,” said the lawmakers. 

Nearly 98% of Americans have PFAS detectable in their blood, and as of March 2026, about 176 million Americans drink water contaminated with PFAS. This issue is particularly concerning in Michigan, which has one of the highest numbers of PFAS contamination sites in the nation, making federal enforcement of safe water standards vital for public health. By EPA’s own estimates, the Drinking Water Standards would protect as many as 105 million Americans from exposure to PFAS in their drinking water, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses. The EPA also cited economic benefits from the standards, estimating cost savings of over $1 billion in avoided health costs. 

A copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:

Dear Administrator Zeldin:

We write to urge EPA to reconsider its proposals to eliminate the 2024 National Drinking Water Standards for four PFAS forever chemicals and to allow water utilities to opt-in to an extension of the compliance deadline for the remaining two standards by two years to 2031. These standards regulate and set legally enforceable limits to protect millions of Americans from unsafe levels of PFAS in their drinking water. Rescinding and delaying these standards is dangerous and undermines the core purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Act, which is to provide communities with clean and safe drinking water. 

PFAS contamination affects communities across the country. These forever chemicals persist in our environment and can accumulate in our bodies. Nearly 98% of Americans have PFAS detectable in their blood, and as of March 2026, about 176 million Americans drink water contaminated with PFAS. While this Administration is investing nearly $1 billion dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states to address PFAS in drinking water, rolling back these standards and extending the compliance deadline risks exacerbating the PFAS crisis across the country and fails to address this public health problem.

The 2024 Drinking Water Standards established an enforceable maximum contaminant level (MCL) standard of four parts per trillion for two of the more widespread and harmful PFAS variants, PFOS and PFOA. It also regulated other known toxic PFAS (PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX) with health-based enforceable MCL standards of ten parts per trillion each. In addition, EPA set a mixture-based hazard-index for these three PFAS and PFBS that sets a limit for the total amount of these four PFAS in any combination. It required that public water systems monitor for PFAS, notify the public of PFAS, and reduce PFAS in drinking water through phased-in approaches. 

The 2024 Drinking Water Standards were finalized in response to EPA’s own extensive scientific research and analysis consisting of hundreds of scientific studies that overwhelmingly point to associations between PFAS exposure and serious health effects, including high cholesterol, kidney cancer, decreases in birth weight, and immune suppression. EPA also received extensive input from the public on these standards during the comment period and issued an exhaustive response to the comments that spanned over 4,500 pages. EPA’s conclusions on the toxicity of these PFAS are well in line with other authoritative evaluations, including those conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Michigan, California, New Jersey, Canada, and the European Union.

By EPA’s own estimates, the Drinking Water Standards would protect as many as 105 million Americans from exposure to PFAS in their drinking water, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses. In its analysis, EPA also cited substantial economic benefits from the Standards, estimating cost savings of $1.17 billion in avoided health costs, though the agency noted it only considered three health effects, and many additional health benefits were not quantified in this estimate. More comprehensive economic analyses have estimated PFAS-related health care costs up to $60 billion per year. Finalizing the 2024 Standards was a critical step in keeping PFAS out of homes and communities. Rescinding and delaying the standards will do nothing to alleviate the economic and health burden on families and individuals who are exposed to PFAS contamination. 

EPA’s decision to limit monitoring and treatment solely to PFOA and PFOS will not be sufficient to protect against exposure to and harms associated with other PFAS, including the four PFAS the agency is proposing to remove protections for. Not all PFAS contamination can be predicted by the presence of PFOA and PFOS.

Additionally, newer generation, short chain PFAS, like GenX and PFBS, are more difficult to remove from drinking water than PFOA and PFOS. If water systems are only focused on removing PFOA and PFOS, they may opt to install treatments that are insufficient to fully address the PFAS that are present. This will leave communities unprotected and waste resources while not fully addressing the problem. 

Safe drinking water should never be a luxury or a legal debate. For families facing PFAS contamination, this is about the water they pour into a glass, cook with, and give to their children. America should be moving faster to get PFAS out of our drinking water—not giving families more years of uncertainty and harm. We will not stand by while protections are weakened and working families are left waiting. We will continue fighting to protect clean water, hold polluters accountable, and put public health ahead of the interests that created this crisis. 

We urge EPA to reconsider its proposals to eliminate and delay the 2024 National PFAS Drinking Water Standards and meaningfully protect Americans from PFAS contamination.

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

As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, we honor generations of Americans who helped make our country great.

This month, we asked community members of California’s 36th Congressional District to submit photos and short tributes of their loved ones who served in the United States military. Thank you to everyone who submitted, and thank you to everyone who served our country.

Abraham Boyarsky

Abe Boyarsky served in the U.S. Army during WWII, landing on Utah Beach  two days after his 19th birthday. He helped liberate Cherbourg, marched across France, Belgium and Germany, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and liberated the Dachau concentration camp. Currently 101 years old, he wears his dog tags every day.

James Larkin

Thank you, and you are surely missed.

Irwin Ruben

Our dad enlisted in the U.S. Navy toward the end of World War II and served on a hospital ship that treated the wounded fighting in the Pacific Theater. He took great pride in having had the opportunity to assist surgeons working around the clock to heal the wounded and save lives. The sobering experience convinced him to pursue a professional career as a pharmacist once he left the service. He went to college courtesy of the GI Bill, otherwise known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944. He forever remained a genuine hero in our eyes.

George Molukos

George Molukous enlisted in the United States Army, emigrating from Greece. He served proudly in the infantry in World War I.

Zein Obagi MD

Thank you dad, Cmdr Zein Obagi MD for your six years of honorable service in the US Navy.

Lawrence J Smith Jr

Active duty service 1977-1982, reserves 1982-1987. Graduate Nuclear Power Program. Surface Warfare Officer. Persian Gulf Deployment 1985.

Russ Morimoto

F-4 Phantom Crew Chief Vietnam. His name was on the name of his plane along with the pilot that got shot down.

Larry Murakami

Served with the 403rd SOD, 5th Special Forces Vietnam.

Martin Lakin

Korean War Veteran and incredible Uncle.

Brad Zalben

Navy SeaBees Veteran. Proud Veteran and my inspiration in life.

Sanford Forman

My father-in-law, Sanford Forman, is a Korean War veteran who served in the United States Air Force. He has always been proud of his service and of his uniform. He is 93 years young today. We thank him for his service and love for his country.

Robert Vaughan

Bob was born in Torrance and was a classic South Bay surfer. He was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam from 1967-1968, during the Tet Offensive.

Barry Solomon

Barry served in the U.S. Army in New York and continued in Los Angeles for a total of 5.2 years.

1st Lt. Jack Tomlin

I never knew my Uncle Jack. He was killed in action near Hilfarth, Germany in January 1945. My grandmother mourned him keenly the rest of her life, and even took two trips to Germany after the war to try to find out what happened to him. A few years ago, I discovered this website https://www.honorstates.org/index.php?id=28826 , where I learned his fate.

Robert William Hockelberg

Served in WWII as Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, pilot of cargo planes over the Himalayas to bring supplies over Himalayas to troops.

Sam Morita

My grandfather enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed in Morocco at the Nouasseeur Air Force Base. As a Japanese American, he was interned in Poston, AZ during WWII. He was alway a proud American – Grandson Levi Vila.

Murray Kalis

To our Dad, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, brother and friend. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for not only our family but our country. We are all so proud of you!

W.T. Morgan

God bless all those who served our country, including my Dad.

Jerry Brown

From Sandy Brown: Jerry Brown, MD served a year at Valley Forge Hospital and a year at the 91st & 93rd Evacuation Hospital in Vietnam. He is proud of his service and has great respect for the soldiers he cared and all who served.

James L. Durment

Thank you dad (Papa) for your service in the U.S. Army. We miss you and love you.

Robert E. Durment

We thank you for your service in the U.S. Navy uncle Bob. Love, Kimberly and David

Daniel Rincon

To my brother, Daniel Rincon, Thank you for your honorable service in the United States Marine Corps from 1999 to 2026. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication make our family proud every day. We honor your commitment, your strength, and the legacy you leave behind. Semper Fidelis.

Larry Dean Rudy

Thank you for your service.

Ralph A. Feinstein

Severely injured and the only survivor of his boat on D-Day, my father-in-law never let his disability limit him.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

The grant will support quality early learning programs for children in the Inland Empire, regardless of financial background
SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced a $66,447,189 grant award for San Bernardino County’s Head Start Programs to ensure quality early education for children in the Inland Empire and set them up for academic success.
“All children in the Inland Empire deserve accessible, quality early childhood education and the life-changing impacts it can have,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “During my time as a Head Start teacher’s aide, I saw firsthand how building a strong educational foundation from an early age can set children up for success in school and beyond. I’m proud to announce this funding for San Bernardino County to continue educating our youngest minds and helping children and families in our region build brighter futures.”
“San Bernardino County is pleased to accept this federal grant, which represents the annual funding for our Preschool Services Head Start and Early Head Start programs,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “These programs serve more than 2,000 children and their families through entry into kindergarten and provide educational, health, and family engagement services. Additionally, Preschool Services works with other county departments and community agencies to help families navigate food and housing insecurity and maximize career opportunities to achieve economic stability.”
The funding comes as part of a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children & Families’ Office of Head Start. The grant will support San Bernardino County’s Head Start Center-Based and Home-Based programs, which provide low-income families with early learning and social services that support childhood development, family well-being and overall health.