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

WASHINGTON — On the eve of America’s 250^th Anniversary, Speaker Johnson contributed a letter to the 2026 Bossier Community Time Capsule, which will remain sealed until America’s tricentennial in 2076. In the letter, Speaker Johnson outlined his journey to Congress and the Speakership, the genius of America’s constitutional republic, and emphasized the importance of maintaining our Republic by recommitting to the timeless principles our nation was founded upon. The time capsule was sponsored by Keep Bossier Beautiful in conjunction with the Bossier Parish Police Jury and Keep America Beautiful.

“As our nation marks this momentous anniversary, we face questions about the very nature of our Republic. How to preserve our God-given rights against government intrusion? How best to champion individual liberty? And, how to restore our moral and religious foundations, which our Founders saw as essential to maintaining this Republic? These are age-old questions that every generation has tackled since the dawn of our country,” Speaker Johnson wrote. “But today, it is our duty and our responsibility as freedom-loving Americans to answer them anew, and while honoring the timeless truths of Scripture upon which our nation was founded.”

Read the full letter here or below:

To my future fellow Americans:

Greetings from 2026! My name is Mike Johnson, U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives and proud representative of Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District, which spans from Shreveport to Monroe and down to Lake Charles.

As America marks its Semiquincentennial, we look back to acknowledge the miracle of our founding and the countless miracles that have followed, as much as we look ahead to you, our future countrymen. It is in that spirit that I write this letter, to share what America looks like today and what we hope the future holds for this great country, which we are blessed to call home.

As the 56th Speaker of the House, I am fortunate to lead Congress at a time of profound change. My colleagues first elected me to this position during a time of great tumult in the history of the institution, and after serving less than 6.8 years in Congress, the second fastest tenure before receiving this honor. This is the first time someone from Louisiana has held this historic position, something deeply meaningful to me as the son of a Shreveport firefighter and the first person in my family to graduate from college.

None of this incredible journey would have been possible without the steadfast support of my beautiful wife, Kelly, and our four children, Hannah, Abby, Jack, and Will, and God’s faithful hand upon our lives.

Since my first election to Speaker, I have led the Republican Party through a polarized era of politics and under one of the smallest majorities in American history. I am also proud to be the first U.S. Speaker to ever address the British Parliament, and only the third to be invited to address the Israeli Knesset. It is not lost on me the critical role the U.S. plays in shaping the policies and actions of countries around the globe. Being in this position comes with the enormous weight of preserving the God-honoring, timeless truths that undergird America’s founding – which contain the necessary ingredients for human flourishing – and of stewarding these principles beyond our borders.

We began this fateful year with an auspicious victory abroad. America’s greatest athletes competed in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, capturing a record 12 gold medals. Both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams triumphed over Canada in dramatic overtime thrillers to secure dual gold medals. For the men, it was their first gold in 46 years since the famous 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” 

In April, NASA achieved a major space exploration milestone with the Artemis II lunar flyby, setting a record for the farthest journey from Earth in human history. King Charles III made his first visit to the United States as monarch, which culminated in a historic address to a Joint Session of Congress. And at this very moment, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway in communities across our country.

In a matter of days and under the leadership of President Donald Trump, America will celebrate its 250th anniversary in historic fashion, from the Great American State Fair to one of the grandest displays of fireworks here in our nation’s capital. Recently, I was proud to lead tens of thousands of Americans in prayer on our National Mall to rededicate this great country as one nation under God in celebration of 250 years of American Independence.

As our nation marks this momentous anniversary, we face questions about the very nature of our Republic. How to preserve our God-given rights against government intrusion? How best to champion individual liberty? And, how to restore our moral and religious foundations, which our Founders saw as essential to maintaining this Republic? These are age-old questions that every generation has tackled since the dawn of our country. But today, it is our duty and our responsibility as freedom-loving Americans to answer them anew, and while honoring the timeless truths of Scripture upon which our nation was founded.

We embrace the challenge of this generation with you, our future fellow Americans, in our hearts and prayers. And while we acknowledge that our work to preserve this grand experiment in self-liberty remains unfinished, we take solace knowing that God’s hand rests firmly upon our country, just as it has since the very beginning of our Founders’ fight for freedom.

As John Quincy Adams, our nation’s 6th president and a relentless fighter against the scourge of slavery, once said, “Duty is ours. Results are God’s.” It’s your duty now to recommit to the timeless, foundational principles enshrined in our nation’s birth certificate. As you take the baton of freedom on this 300th anniversary, do not do so lightly. Take it boldly and courageously, as the signers of the Declaration did, and with the full weight of history and destiny on your shoulders.

May God bless you all, and may God eternally bless the United States of America.

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

WASHINGTON — This morning, at the weekly House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson discussed the genius of the American experiment in self-governance and celebrated the endurance of our Republic as we mark our 250th Anniversary this week. Speaker Johnson also discussed the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act, which furthers President Trump’s America first, peace through strength agenda.

“The insurgent Left hates America and hates our founding principles. They hate the idea of borders and prisons. They even want to remove the President and the Supreme Court. Very dangerous stuff,” Speaker Johnson said. “We’re no longer in a battle just between Republicans and Democrats arguing over marginal tax rates or the size of regulation this election and this year… Right now, we have a contrast between people who love the country and its founding principles, and those who have open disdain and hatred for them.”

Watch the press conference here.

On America’s 250th Anniversary:

You will hear me remind us of that all the time. The most free, most successful, most powerful, most benevolent nation that has ever been on planet Earth. America is back right now, and there are so many reasons to be excited and to celebrate with your family and friends. Celebrate freedom. Celebrate the great blessings we have in this country, the greatest on the planet. We’ve got challenges, of course, we’re working through those every day. But there is no reason not to celebrate. There is no reason to be depressed in any way. We recognize 250 years is still an experiment. We’re still a grand experiment in self-governance. In 1776, the Founders came together and they boldly proclaimed this self-evident truth. We call it the nation’s creed. It’s like a statement of faith. And they said right in the second paragraph of the Declaration, which we celebrate this weekend. We hold these truths to be self-evident. And what is the self-evident truth? It is something that’s obvious. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. And I always pause there and note that it doesn’t say born equal. It says created equal by God and that it is God, our Creator, who gives us our inalienable rights. That among those the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

On the Democrats’ embrace of socialism and communism:

We have an open contest right now between the Marxists and communists and the Americans. We’ve been saying for months that this is setting up, this midterm will be a contrast between common sense and crazy. And now you can add another line there. It’s, it’s common sense versus communism, because that’s what’s happening in the Democrat Party. The insurgent Left is taking it over – the insurgent Left that hates America, hates our founding principles.

They hate the idea of borders and prisons. They even want to remove the President and the Supreme Court…They wipe their hands on the American flag. Many of them have ties to terrorist organizations. You can’t make this stuff up. We’re no longer in a battle just between Republicans and Democrats arguing over marginal tax rates or the size of regulation this election and this year. The things that are happening in Congress right now are a contrast between people who love the country and its founding principles and those who have open disdain and hatred for them. They want to tear America down. They want to tear down Western civilization. And it’s not going to happen on our watch.

On the National Defense Authorization Act:

We will invest properly, appropriately, and responsibly in America’s national defense. Our policies reflect that. We have a pay raise to our troops that’s overdue, another 5 to 7%. We will advance 65 of President Trump’s priorities and executive orders in the legislation. We will do the things that are necessary to make sure we maintain our status as the great superpower, the remaining superpower on the planet. It is absolutely essential that we do that for a couple of reasons. Number one, Reagan used to remind us, you hear me say all the time, ‘Freedom is not passed along in the bloodstream. It’s got to be fought for, protected for the next generation or else they won’t have the same liberty and opportunity and security that we have known.’ And America is the leader of the world. We are the beacon of freedom.

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

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a Hurricane Helene-related grant of $9,344,475 to the Commonwealth of Virginia. This funding will support Washington County Service Authority repair damaged waterline impacted by Hurricane Helene.

In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Federal disaster relief resources continue to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

“This FEMA grant for more than $9.3 million helps local authorities restore 12-inch cast iron waterline for service to Damascus, Virginia.

“This is really exciting news.”

BACKGROUND

 

FEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.

In January 2025, Rep. Griffith announced $46.67 million in Helene relief to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In April 2025, Congressman Griffith announced nearly $6 million in Helene relief in a separate grant for Washington County water line repairs.

In January 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $4.2 million in Helene relief for a Wytheville wastewater treatment system.

In February 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $8.6 million in Helene relief for water line repair.

In April 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.7 million in Helene relief for bridge repair.

In June 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $2.8 million in Helene relief for road repair.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today led 75 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern about the Israeli military’s operations in southern Lebanon. Since the temporary cessation of hostilities in Lebanon was announced on April 16, 2026, both Israeli forces and Hezbollah have continued military operations in violation of the ceasefire. As the Trump administration implements the memorandum of understanding with Iran, the letter urges the State Department to take all possible steps in bringing a swift end to the wars in Iran and Lebanon.  

 

The Members called attention to reports of the Israeli military’s use of U.S.-origin weapons and equipment in the destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure. Hundreds of civilians have died from these attacks and more than one million people, approximately 20 percent of Lebanon’s population, have been forced from their homes. 

 

“Every government has a right and a responsibility to protect its citizens, and Israel has a right to defend itself,” the Members wrote. “However, this does not justify unrestrained Israeli military operations, especially those that violate the current ceasefire, destroy civilian infrastructure, and lead to the death of hundreds of civilians. All sides must fully abide by the ceasefire agreement.” 

 

“We are troubled by the Israeli military’s practice of mass demolitions of civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon and targeting practices that kill Lebanese civilians,” the Members continued. “After the Israeli military invaded southern Lebanon and began an occupation of the territory, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to raze all homes in southern border villages, ‘following the Rafah and Beit Hanounmodel in Gaza,’ a reference to the Israeli military’s systematic destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Since then, reporting and satellite imagery have confirmed widespread demolitions of civilian homes, buildings, and religious sites in southern Lebanon, including the use of bulldozers and controlled demolitions. The Israeli military has also demolished bridges, roads, water pipelines, and fuel stations in southern Lebanon.” 

 

The letter highlights Trump administration’s responsibility to investigate whether U.S.-origin weapons are being used in activities inconsistent with U.S. law and arms transfer agreements, while supporting the Lebanese government and Lebanese Armed Forces in efforts to disarm Hezbollah and strengthen state authority.  

 

“The use of U.S. origin weapons in the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure is a violation of U.S. military assistance transfer agreements with the Israeli government,” the Members wrote. “The targeted, mass destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure does not constitute Israeli self-defense. If U.S.-origin arms are confirmed to be used in these unauthorized activities, we ask the Trump administration to enforce existing law and stop arms transfers being used in these operations until these violations cease. 

 

“The Trump administration should take all possible steps to bring a swift end to the war and continue good-faith negotiations between the Lebanese and Israeli governments,” the Members concluded. “We urge the administration to work to empower the Lebanese government and to fund the Lebanese Armed Forces to pursue Hezbollah’s full demilitarization and disarmament.” 

 

J Street has endorsed the letter, with J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami releasing the following statement: “We are deeply grateful for Congresswoman Balint and Congressman Castro’s leading this important Congressional letter, expressing concern over the situation in southern Lebanon. While Hezbollah must be disarmed and the Lebanese government supported, Congress must ensure that this does not evolve into another long-term Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. We share the Members’ concerns about the Israeli military’s conduct in southern Lebanon, especially the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. The Members are right to seek to ensure that U.S. law is being enforced and that American weapons are not being misused.” 
 

In addition to Rep. Balint, the letter was signed by Reps. Amo, Ansari, Barragan, Bonamici, Carbajal, Carson, Casten, Castro, Chu, Cisneros, Cleaver, Cohen, Davids, Davis, Dean, DeLauro, Deluzio, DeSaulnier, Dingell, Doggett, Escobar, Evans, Foster, Garamendi, Garcia (Chuy), Garcia (Robert), Garcia (Sylvia), Grijalva, Hayes, Hoyle, Huffman, Jackson, Jacobs, Jayapal, Johnson (Hank), Kamlager-Dove, Kaptur, Kelly, Khanna, Leger Fernandez, Lofgren, Lynch, Magaziner, Matsui, McCollum, McDonald Rivet, McGarvey, McGovern, McIver, Min, Moulton, Pallone, Pelosi, Pingree, Pocan, Quigley, Randall, Ross, Ryan, Salinas, Schakowsky, Scott, Simon, Stansbury, Takano, Thompson (Bennie), Thompson (Mike), Tokuda, Tonko, Tran, Vasquez, Velázquez, Waters, Watson Coleman, Williams. 

 

Earlier in June, Rep. Balint voted in favor of a War Powers Resolution to cease U.S. involvement in the war in Lebanon. 

 

The full text of the letter can be found here. 
 

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

Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and chair of the Subcommittee on Trade, released the following statement regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Joint Review. 

“Since its creation, USMCA has been the gold standard for modern trade agreements, delivering meaningful benefits to the United States and our North American partners. But any agreement is only as strong as its enforcement. Unfortunately, over the past six years, our trading partners have repeatedly failed to fully uphold their commitments. With that in mind, President Trump’s decision not to renew is not a termination—it is an opportunity to strengthen enforcement, so the agreement functions as intended. I look forward to continuing my work with Ambassador Greer to secure the strongest possible deal, level the playing field, and reinforce supply chains for America’s agriculture producers and manufacturers.”

BACKGROUND:

Smith has been a leading advocate for strong enforcement of the USMCA agreement—particularly on issues affecting American agriculture, manufacturing, and digital services. 

Representing the nation’s largest agriculture-producing district, Smith has emphasized the importance of a strong, enforceable USMCA for America’s farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers. He continues to support strengthening the agreement ahead of its scheduled expiration on July 1, 2036. 

In December 2020, after Mexico issued a presidential decree banning imports of U.S. biotech corn for human consumption in violation of its USMCA commitments, Smith pressed the Biden Administration to act. Sending multiple letters to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging the launch of a formal dispute. In December 2024, following sustained pressure from Smith, a USMCA dispute panel ruled in the United States’ favor, ending Mexico’s ban on U.S.-grown biotech corn. 

In March 2022, Smith joined his colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden Administration raising concerns about Mexico’s discrimination towards American energy companies and urging the administration to pursue a formal USMCA dispute settlement. 

In December 2023, Smith joined his colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden Administration expressing their disappointment in the administration’s failure to hold Canada accountable for their discrimination against American dairy products. In December 2025, he joined a group of his colleagues urging the Trump Administration to finally address these concerns ahead of the Joint Review.

In September 2024, following several concerning Mexican Constitutional reforms, Smith led a group of his colleagues in sending a letter urging the Biden Administration to work with Mexican officials to ensure that these proposed reforms did not violate the USMCA agreement. 

Smith has also raised concerns about Canada’s emerging digital trade barriers. In May 2024, he joined a bipartisan group urging the Biden Administration to address trade implications of Canada’s Online Streaming Act. In July 2025, he and his colleagues called on Canadian officials to rescind discriminatory digital policies ahead of the 2026 Joint Review and urged the Trump Administration to prioritize resolving these barriers in future negotiations. 

In May 2026, Smith led a letter with 19 Republican colleagues to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent raising concerns regarding recent actions by Mexico’s Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) that unfairly target American companies operating in Mexico. 

Ahead of the July 2026 Joint Review, Smith led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Mexico City to meet with Mexican officials during the first round of bilateral negotiations. 

Most recently, in June 2026, Smith led a bipartisan letter with his Agriculture Trade Caucus co-chairs and 13 colleagues urging the Trump Administration to address Mexico’s non-tariff barriers affecting U.S. grain exports. 

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) has introduced a special “America’s 250th Anniversary” section of his website.

Here, you find legislation Rep. Kelly has sponsored or co-sponsored to supports this historic occasion. You will also find Rep. Kelly’s new video on his YouTube channel highlighting Western Pennsylvania’s role in American history.

On his Facebook, Instagram, and X pages, Rep. Kelly is rolling out America’s 250th anniversary-themed fun facts, history, and other information to help constituents learn more about the region, commonwealth, and nation we call home.

Stay up to date with Rep. Kelly’s work in Washington and Western Pennsylvania by signing up for his e-newsletter!

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

July 01, 2026

Washington, D.C. – This week, Representative Huffman (CA-02) and Representative Raskin (MD-08) alongside other democratic colleagues are introducing a resolution in honor of America’s 250^th 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 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), Julia Brownley (CA-26), 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.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement after testifying before the House Committee on Natural Resources regarding H.R. 9416, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park Redesignation Act:

“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 Rep. Scott.

“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 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.”

Watch Rep. Scott’s full testimony here.

Watch Rep. Bishop’s full testimony here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

Today, Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Co-Founder and Co-Chair Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), introduced the bipartisan Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act to increase security cooperation and strengthen defense capabilities between the United States and Ukraine. Co-Leads of the legislation include Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Ranking Member of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), and Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02). This bipartisan legislation will create a working group between the Department of Defense, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and other relevant stakeholders to enable the US to co-develop, co-produce, and rapidly acquire cost-effective Ukrainian-designed unmanned systems such as drones and surface vehicles, as well as the capabilities to counter unmanned systems. Bicameral companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD). 

“The United States is a key force in keeping Vladimir Putin from taking Ukraine and invading the rest of Eastern Europe. Ukraine has been able to fend off Russian attacks during this war because of our technology and our weapons,” said Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “The development and production of unmanned systems like drones and surface vehicles supported by this bill will help Ukraine protect themselves and safeguard democracy worldwide.” 

“The innovative use of unmanned systems in Ukraine has permanently changed the face of warfare. By working with our Ukrainian allies we stand the best chance of protecting American servicemembers and the American homeland,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “We must never forget that when Iranian drones honed against Ukrainians targeted Americans in the Middle East, it was Ukraine that came to our defense and aid. By forging an ironclad pact with our Ukrainian allies, we can repay that debt, and create a manufacturing partnership that will benefit communities across America.”

“Four years into the war that many predicted would end in four days, the Ukrainians continue to rapidly innovate and push the frontiers of modern warfare — operating as a laboratory for drones and other unmanned systems,” said Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “I’m proud to support this legislation to bolster defense cooperation between our nations and ensure the United States is prepared to build, deploy, and counter the drone technology that will define the future of warfare.”

“Ukrainians are some of the most innovative people in the world. They are testing modern warfare technologies on the battlefield in real time,” said Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) Ranking Member of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue. “We have the opportunity to apply lessons learned by the Ukrainians to benefit the US military to make our warfighters more effective. This bill would enhance US-Ukraine defense cooperation, benefiting both nations.”

“Ukraine’s fight against Russia has shown the world that unmanned systems are changing the future of warfare,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation. “The Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act strengthens US-Ukraine defense cooperation by creating a working group to co-develop, co-produce, and rapidly field cost-effective unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies. This partnership will help ensure the United States and our allies remain at the forefront of battlefield innovation while enhancing military readiness to meet evolving threats. I’m pleased to work with Rep. Kaptur and our bipartisan colleagues on this effort to strengthen defense cooperation and keep our forces ahead of emerging threats.”

Today’s introduction of the bipartisan Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act follows yesterday’s announcement of $1.1 Billion in Pentagon investment in American manufacturing of Ukrainian Drone Technology including $18.4 Million of investment in Northwest Ohio. You can read more about yesterday’s announcement by clicking here. A full copy of the bill text can be found by clicking here.

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

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) released the following statement after Consumers Energy announced it would not move forward with a proposed power plant in Lima Township:

“I am pleased that Consumers Energy has decided not to move forward with the proposed power plant in Lima Township. 

Residents raised thoughtful and legitimate concerns about the project’s potential impacts on public health, the environment, and their community. I shared those concerns directly with Consumers Energy and urged the company to listen carefully to the people who would be most affected. 

I appreciate that Consumers Energy took those concerns seriously and ultimately made the decision not to move forward. Projects of this scale are most successful when communities have a meaningful seat at the table from the very beginning.

It is important that anyone proposing projects in our communities are transparent and give community members the opportunity for input and a discussion of the issues they are concerned about. Consumers Energy recognized that they made a mistake, and I appreciate them apologizing for it. Thank you to the residents, local officials, and everyone who spoke up. Their voices mattered, and they helped shape this outcome.

As Michigan continues to meet growing energy demands, we will need thoughtful, collaborative solutions that protect the communities we call home,” said Congresswoman Dingell.